The newly formed Pune Zoroastrian Sports Association has been engaging community members with different activities, hosting the Second All Parsi Indoor Games Tournament in May and a yoga session in June this year. They received nearly 120 registrations for the Indoor Games with 20 participants from Bombay. There were 80 male competitors and 20 females. Maximum participation was from those under 20 years of age and those in their mid 30s. Around 50 registered for the yoga session with Havovi Kanga, according to reports of the two events sent by Poona based sports enthusiast Mabrin Nanavatti.
Physical dexterity in table tennis and carrom and mental ingenuity in chess were witnessed at the Indoor Games Tournament held at the Pudumjee Hall of The Poona Kadmi Shehenshahi Anjuman Dar-e-Meher on May 25 and 26. The Tournament, sponsored by businessman Yohan Poonawalla through the offices of the Poona Zarthosti Seva Mandal, recognized winners with trophies, certificates and also cash prizes.
In the carrom open doubles, Arjumand Bakhtiyar and Zubin Mistry pocketed the title, with Farzaan Gocal and Kaizad Irani finishing as runners-up.
Competitors (top) and organizers (above) at the All Parsi Indoor Sports Tournament in Poona
In the table tennis under-14 singles, Jehan Kolah triumphed over Huvrast Pithawalla. The TT veterans singles (45 and above) saw Rashid Khorshedi secure the top spot, with Hushang Irani as the runner-up. The open doubles category witnessed Rayomand Marolia and Katriena Hakim emerge victorious, while Jehan and Yashan Kolah took the runner-up position. In the open singles, Jehan continued his winning streak, defeating Marolia to claim the title.
The chess competition, with participants ranging from a youthful seven years to 70, saw spirited involvement. Kemas Wadia emerged victorious in the chess open singles, overcoming runner-up Danesh Goorabian. In the under-14 category, Nauzad Amalsadiwalla claimed the top prize.
The first edition of this event was held in April 2023 and organized by the Zoroastrian Youth Association (ZYA) along with the Zoroastrian Sports Association of Poona.
Top: Participants at the yoga session in Poona conducted by Havovi Kanga (above)
In solidarity with International Yoga Day that was celebrated in June, a "transformative” yoga session was held on June 23, 2024 at the Bai Manekbai Jeejeebhoy buildings.
Kanga, who belives in inclusivity and accessibility, provided an "enriching experience that emphasized health and well-being through the ancient practice of yoga.” Believing that "yoga is for everyone regardless of age and fitness level,” she skillfully tailored the session to accommodate the diverse abilities of the attendees, dividing them into two age groups. While the seniors engaged in gentle, restorative yoga practices, the younger group enjoyed the dynamic, vigorous techniques.
Her sessions integrated physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation, offering participants a "comprehensive yoga experience.” Driven by a passion for holistic health, Kanga obtained her formal yoga certification from the Ministry of Ayush that promotes traditional Indian systems of medicine and wellness.