Bowlers Defy War Chaos to Reach Bengaluru Nationals
In times of conflict, when uncertainty and fear dominate daily life, sport often serves as a rare sanctuary—a source of comfort for some and a temporary escape from harsh realities for others. For three dedicated tenpin bowlers residing in the Middle East, however, their sport represented something far greater: an unwavering constant they were determined to preserve, no matter the obstacles.
A Journey Marked by Missiles and Determination
Siblings Ezaz Kasmani and Shabeen Kasmani, based in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, embarked on a harrowing journey to reach Bengaluru for the National tenpin bowling championships. Their trip began with panic at the airport in neighbouring Bahrain, where they were stranded after their direct flight to Bengaluru was abruptly cancelled.
"We were at the airport when the first missile hit. We saw a live missile going towards the US Air Base and were shocked," recalled Ezaz, who is representing Maharashtra in the competition. "Our flight was the first to get cancelled. People were running in and out of the airport, and so were we. But then we decided to sit and wait. We waited for almost six hours."
Despite advice from others to abandon their plans and return home, the siblings remained resolute. What followed was a frantic scramble for alternatives, involving multiple cancelled bookings and an arduous road journey. With options dwindling, they drove nearly 600 kilometers to Riyadh, secured a flight to Lucknow, and finally made their way to Bengaluru—completing a journey that had seemed nearly impossible just days earlier.
Uncertain Travel and Last-Minute Efforts
For Manohar Hedge, a 56-year-old bowler from Dubai, the escalating conflict cast doubt on his travel plans. Having qualified for the tournament through overseas trials in Dubai, he faced family concerns as the war intensified. "My family was worried because the war had started and I was leaving," said Hedge, a native of Mangaluru. "But they supported me. They knew how much I love bowling, and that was the only thing on my mind—to reach Bengaluru."
After numerous late-night searches, Hedge managed to secure a last-minute ticket, though at more than double the usual price. His journey was far from smooth, with restrictions and delays forcing him to travel light—carrying only three of his six bowling balls—and miss crucial practice time before the competition.
The Driving Force: Pride and Belonging
For all three players, the exhausting ordeal was justified by their passion for the sport and the significance of the event. "It's not just about bowling," explained 38-year-old Ezaz. "We can play anywhere in the world. But coming to the Nationals and representing our state means a lot. The federation and the players here are like family."
This sense of belonging and the pride of wearing their state colors motivated them to brave the chaos. Even as they remain uncertain about their return journeys after the tournament, their focus remains steadfastly on the lanes. "Right now," they affirmed in unison, "it's only about bowling."
Their stories highlight the profound impact of sport as a unifying force, transcending geopolitical tensions and personal hardships. In a region gripped by conflict, these bowlers' determination underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of athletic pursuit.
