Auckland Malayali Samajam has hosted several community events in the past engaging the youth, women, and children. One of such activities recently hosted by the association was the Annual Soccer Tournament at the Riversdale Reserve in Avondale on Saturday, March 17.
Seven teams of eleven players each participated in the tournament with players joining the game from Whangarei, Hamilton and extended parts of Auckland city.
The team Auckland Indian Malayali Club came out victorious against Auckland Challengers in the thrilling finale with 7-2 goals. Other teams participating in the tournament were Archibald Boys, Hamilton Club, Saint Dionysius Indian Orthodox Church, Stay United and Whangarei Club. Player Robyn Johny was awarded as the best player of the tournament, Ranju Mathew as the best goalkeeper and Nikhil Prasad as the most promising player of the tournament.
The newly appointed president of Auckland Malayali Samajam Soman Mathew inaugurated the tournament and community member Yeldos Varghese coordinated the tournament.
President of the Association Soman Mathew commended the spirit of the players and the audience who watched the tournament with their families and friends.
“It was a well-fought game with exemplary team spirit from all participants,” president of the association Soman Mathew said.
Auckland Malayali Samajam provides its services to the Malayali community across the country in collaboration with regional Malayali Samajams. It extends assistance to the community members who live in almost every part of the country.
The organisation has hosted numerous community events, Kerala celebrations, language promotions, indigenous sports and games and cultural activities in addition to its charitable works.
More than 20,000 members of the Malayali community live in New Zealand having migrated from the southern state of India, of which approximately 15,000 live in Auckland.
Auckland Malayali Samajam’s next big event will be held on Saturday, April 14, at Auckland Normal Intermediate in Mt Eden to celebrate Easter.