(PNB) defeated defending champions Reserve Bank of India (RBI) 2-1 in a thrilling final to win the Men’s Team Championship of the 59th Inter-Bank Carrom Tournament, being organised by the Bankers’ Sports Council, Nagpur, at the Bank of Maharashtra Credit Co-operative Society Hall, Dhantoli, on Saturday. In a closely-fought final, RBI’s defending champion Abdul Sagir registered the only victory for his team by defeating Sumit Meshram of PNB. However, Mangesh Godbole and Avinash Rawani of PNB outplayed Harish Headoo and Nikhil Dhawale of RBI respectively to seal the title with a 2-1 victory. The triumph enabled PNB to avenge last year’s defeat against their arch-rivals and emerge as the new champions of the prestigious inter-bank tournament.

 

At the outset, the tournament was inaugurated by Abhishek Kumar, AGM, Bank of Maharashtra, Sitabuldi Branch. The inaugural function was conducted by Praful Nandedkar, Vice-President. Ravi Joshi, Secretary, welcomed the chief guest while Rajesh Joshi, Treasurer, welcomed Siddharth Narnaware, Chief Referee. Sharad Padhye, Vice-President, welcomed Kiran Badkas, International Carrom Umpire. Speaking on the occasion, Abhishek Kumar lauded the Bankers Sports Council, Nagpur, for consistently promoting sports among bank employees through its activities over the last 59 years. The two-day tournament includes men’s team and singles events, followed by women’s singles with participants from various banks competing for top honours. The meet conludes on Sunday.