THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ninth season of Raviz Priviliz Prathidhwani Sevens, the largest football tournament in the IT sector in the state, began at Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. The sixth season of the five-a-side women’s football tournament also commenced alongside.
Prathidhwani, the welfare organisation of IT employees in Kerala, organised the event in association with Yoode Promotions and Leela Raviz Hotels Group. Former Indian football goalkeeper K T Chacko inaugurated the two-month tournament at Technopark Ground, Phase 1. Before the inauguration, defending champions H&R block’s men’s and women’s teams returned the ever rolling trophies.
In connection with the event, a bike rally was held between Technopark Phase 3 and the tournament ground. Anchana K Das, convener of the women’s tournament, presided over the function. Sareesh M, men’s tournament convener, welcomed the gathering.
Smitha Rathod of the Leela Ashtamudi, Prem Kamal of the Leela Kovalam, Kiran R K of Yoode, Rajeev Krishnan and Rajith V P of Prathidhwani, and Advaith Viswambaran, joint convener of the tournament, were also present. Assistant commissioner of police S Y Suresh administered the Toofan Warrior Pledge, an anti-drug oath under Operation Toofan, the state police’s anti-narcotics campaign.
Two exhibition matches were also held. H&R block’s women’s team lost to Prathidhwani’s women’s team. H&R block’s men’s team lost to Prathidhwani’s men’s team. The matches will be played in the evenings at Technopark Ground. More than 2,500 IT professionals from 106 teams, representing over 100 companies, will take part.
The winning team will get a cash prize, the ever rolling trophy and a one-day stay at Raviz Ashtamudi Resort, Kollam. Raviz Hotels and Yoode Promotions will also sponsor additional prizes. There will be special awards for the best player, best goalkeeper and highest goal scorer. Yoode will also present a ‘Player of the Match’ trophy for every match.
Spectators will also have a chance to win prizes. League-based first round matches will be followed by a knock-out round. The matches will be held on working days.
