Scorching sun did not dampen the enthusiasm and zeal of youths who stormed the Navanagar district stadium to watch Dr Raj Cup-3 cricket tournament held here on Saturday. Association of Dance Directors and Dance Artistes’ Association organised the event.
Actors Raghavendra Rajkumar and Upendra, who were the centre of attraction, inaugurated the tourney by batting and bowling.
Small Scale Industries Minister Raju Gowda, who led the MLA Eleven team, speaking to reporters before the commencement of the match, said that he is very happy to take part in the tourney.
Subsequent matches this year will be held in Bijapur and Gulbarga on October 28 and 29 respectively, he said. The motto of the event is to tap and encourage talent of youths in this part of the state, he said and he hoped that youths from this region will play in Ranji Trophy cricket matches soon. Film star Raghavendra Rajkumar said that he is pleased to visit Bagalkot for the first time.
“Shivarajkumar is busy with shooting and could not participate in the tourney. But Puneet Rajkumar will play in Gulbarga.” he said.
Describing Dr Raj Cup as IPL of Kannada film industry, actor Upendra said that film actors are able to meet people in different parts of the state through this tourney.
In the opening match, Yogi-led ‘Amritavarshini’ team registered victory against R G Media team. In another match, Minister Raju Gowda-led MLA Eleven team disappointed the crowd as he was out for a duck on the very first delivery by Dharma, the captain of Great Villains team.
Police had a tough time in controlling the crowd eager to watch the film stars in cricket action. On many occasions several youths thronged the stage to meet their favourite actors or to take a photo with them.
Actors Shrinagar Kitti, Yash, Yogish, Harish Rai,R D Babu (Junior Upendra) also took part in the tourney. Superintendent of Police Ishwarachandra Vidyasagar and other officials witnessed the matches.