Brandon, Florida Mar 9, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - The 12th Mar Makil Basketball Tournament, held at Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Forane Church in Tampa, turned into a vibrant and exciting community event filled with energy, sportsmanship, and fellowship. The tournament began at 9 AM on Saturday and concluded at 8:30 PM the same evening. A total of 15 teams from churches across Florida participated in the middle school, high school, and college divisions.
Churches represented in the tournament included Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Forane Church, Tampa; Zion Assembly of God, Hollywood; St. Jude Knanaya Catholic Forane Church, Fort Lauderdale; St. Mary Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Orlando; Our Lady of Health Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Coral Springs; and St. Joseph Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Tampa. The event brought together youth, families, and supporters from across the state, creating a festive atmosphere of competition and community spirit.
In the middle school division, Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Forane Church, Tampa secured first place, while St. Mary Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Orlando finished in second place after an exciting series of games.
In the high school division, Zion Assembly of God, Hollywood captured first place, with Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Forane Church, Tampa finishing in second place.
In the college division, Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Forane Church, Tampa Team B claimed first place, while Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Forane Church, Tampa Team A secured second place in a competitive final matchup.
The winners were presented with trophies and cash prizes by Father Jose Adoppillil, Vicar of Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Forane Church, along with the support and presence of many generous sponsors who contributed to making the tournament possible. They congratulated the players and organizers for their dedication and for making the tournament a grand success.
This year’s Mar Makil Basketball Tournament was organized by a dedicated committee including Justin Mattathiparambil, Jeffry Cheruthaniyil, Dustin Thomas Mudeekunnel, Shawn Makil, Tino & Ashley Puthupallimyalil, Simon Poozhikunnel, Sabin Poovanthingal, Joyson Pazhempallil, Jimmy Kalapurayil, Baby Makil, Renimon Pachilamakkil, Kishore Vattaparambil, Josemon Thathamkulam, Sanitta Poovanthingal, Christy Valechira, Aleena Tharayil, and Jeeva Pralel, along with the support of many volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event.
Adding to the lively atmosphere, the parish Men’s Ministry and Women’s Ministry arranged a variety of food stalls, offering delicious homemade dishes and refreshments for players and spectators throughout the day.
The Mar Makil Basketball Tournament has been organized annually in memory of Bishop Mar Mathew Makil, the first bishop of the Kottayam Knanaya Catholic Archdiocese in India, who has been honored with the title Servant of God in the Catholic Church. The tournament continues to serve as a meaningful tribute to his legacy while promoting unity, faith, and sportsmanship among youth and families in the community.
Media Contact
Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Forane Church dustthom@gmail.com https://www.shkcctampa.com/
