ZOBRA Tag Rugby Tournament on Sunday

Text and pix by Ruzaik Farook

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Zahira Old Boys’ Rugby Association (ZOBRA) is planning to stage a gala Tag Rugby Carnival on 3 November at Zahira College Grounds from 8:30 a.m. onwards. The event featuring 25 teams from four different categories from junior and above, will be held throughout the day. The objective is to bring all rugby lovers together and develop the fellowship within the past rugby players.

ZOBRA was founded in 2009 with the sole objective of developing Junior Rugby in Zahira College. They strove hard to introduce the game at junior level, mainly to those kids to whom rugby was a total stranger. By today, they are glad that their efforts have paid off. They were able to open doors to many talented young boys who have taken up this beautiful game of rugby. They are confident that the batch of young boys would enrich the game in the years to come. This tournament is an effort of hard work and also an opportunity for those youngsters to dish out their talent,” stated ZOBRA Founder Member Nazeem Ghaffoor, at the press conference.

The tournament will be held as a tag competition with 12 teams competing in the Under-10 and Under-12 categories. The Open Segment will feature 12 teams where each team comprises with players of all age groups. Three more special games will be played to make the event more colourful. One is to commemorate the service of late M.M.K. Namiz. The battle will take place between his team mates and the rest of over-40 old boys in college.

Next match is between Grandmasters of Zahira College. Two teams will be led by former great in Rugby – Ibrahim ‘Tanker’ Hamid, (Former SSP/Zahira Coach) and Tony Amit (Former National Coach and currently patron of the Referees union). They also expect great players of Zahira like M.A. Majid and members of the unbeaten team under the era of the Tanker Hamid.

The other special game is between Ex National Players (Over 40) led by Asanka Rodrigo and his team with national stars like Sudath Sampath, Duminda Silva, Rizan Saldin, Nalin Dissanayke, etc. Zahira Lions team will be led by former Zahira coach Nazeem Ghaffoor and his team also bundled with Zahira stars like T.J. Cuncheer, Imthikab Thaam and Rizwan Mannan. It is going to be a one of the best rugby events in the city for the year.

They are confident that the event will provide unforeseen opportunities to all participants, mainly the younger lot. They expect a very high turnout for the event, which is expected to be a fun-filled and memorable day.

The Main Sponsor of the tournament prominent Old Boy of Zahira College and Former Ambassador of Palestine Fawzan Anwer, has come forward to support the event and the game with great enthusiasm. He will also grace the occasion as the Chief Guest. They also thank Co-Sponsors Sliver M.A. Nilamdeen Managing Director, Abdullah Industries, Aufer Johar, Serendip Transport Managing Director Fowmy Hamid and Bronze Sponsor Shiraz Razak handed over the sponsorship to Zahira College Principal Trizviiy Marikkar. 

Principal Trizviiy Marikkar, Ibrahim Hamid, Tony Amit and ZOBRA President Hussain Wasique also addressed the gathering.