The Kerala Veterinary Officers Association (KGVOA) conducted a state-level sports meet for its members on September 9th and 10th, 2023 at St. Joseph's Sports Dome in Kalamassery, Ernakulam. The event saw the participation of seven districts from across the state, competing in various sports activities. The sports meet was inaugurated by KGVOA State President, Dr. Dilip Chandran, who lit the ceremonial lamp along with Dr. Mariamma Thomas, District Animal Husbandry Officer of Ernakulam, who declared the meet open. The inaugural function was attended by KGVOA State General Secretary, Dr. Kuriakose Mathew T, State Vice President, Dr. Usha R, and other Central and State Executive members. The first day of the meet was dedicated to badminton, with matches in men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles categories. The matches were judged by professional referees and umpires. Malappuram district bagged the overall championship in badminton, followed by Ernakulam district as the first runner-up. The list of winners and runners-up in each category is given below: | Category | Winner | Runner-up | | --- | --- | --- | | Men's Singles | Dr. Binoy Joseph, Kottayam | Dr. Manoj M. Varghese, Malappuram | | Men's Doubles | Dr. Binoy Joseph and Dr. Ijaz VN, Kottayam | Dr. Manoj M. Varghese and Dr. Saifudheen P, Malappuram | | Women's Singles | Dr. Asminitha AP, Malappuram | Dr. Safna Issac, Ernakulam | | Women's Doubles | Dr. Raseena Shaji and Dr. Safna Issac, Ernakulam | Dr. Soumya Muraleedharan P and Dr. Nayana KB, Malappuram | | Mixed Doubles | Dr. Asminitha AP and Dr. Manoj M. Varghese, Malappuram | Dr. Suja John and Dr. Jomon Cherian, Ernakulam | The second day of the meet featured a cricket tournament, with seven teams vying for the trophy. The teams were: - Thrissur - Venice Vikings of Alappuzha - Potbelliers Idukki - Malappuram Sultans - Kozhikode Minnals - Kottayam Tigers - Kochi Khiladis The cricket tournament was won by Venice Vikings of Alappuzha, who defeated Malappuram Sultans in the final. Dr. Rakesh Murali of Alappuzha was adjudged the Man of the Tournament for his outstanding performance with the bat and ball. The valedictory function was presided over by the eminent sports personality and Dronacharya Award recipient, Sri T. P. Ouseph, who distributed the prizes to the winners and runners-up. KGVOA State President Dr. Dilip Chandran, State General Secretary Dr. Kuriakose Mathew T, State Vice President Dr. Usha R, Ernakulam District President Dr. Eldho P. Varghese, and State Executive member Dr. Sandhya G. Nair felicitated the participants and organizers. The winners received trophies, medals, and certificates for their achievements. The sports meet was a grand success, showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among the veterinary officers of Kerala. The event also provided an opportunity for the members to interact and network with each other, and to promote the welfare and interests of the veterinary fraternity.
