- Persistence pays off after missing Dh15 million jackpot
- Manjunath optimism resonates with thousands of regular participants who see Big Ticket as more than a draw — it’s a dream that binds communities of expatriates across the UAE
For Indian expatriate Manjunath Harohalli, fortune finally came full circle in the UAE. Two decades after moving to Al Ain, the 46-year-old store manager from Bengaluru has seen his unwavering belief in luck pay off — winning a 250g 24K gold bar in Big Ticket’s weekly e-draw.
Manjunath’s story has long captured the hearts of his friends and colleagues. Seven years ago, he missed the Dh15 million Big Ticket jackpot by a single number — a heartbreak that would have deterred many. But not him. He kept trying, year after year, ticket after ticket, convinced that his moment would come.
This time, the magic worked when he purchased a ticket with his daughter’s name attached — a gesture that turned out to be life-changing. “I missed two calls because I was asleep,” he recalled. “When I finally checked, I had to verify it twice. My family was ecstatic. My daughter is truly my lucky charm.”
Living in Al Ain since 2005 with his wife and two children, Manjunath said his win is not just a reward but a reminder that perseverance pays. Despite the modest nature of the prize compared to his earlier near-miss, he remains deeply grateful. “I’ll keep participating,” he said. “Luck doesn’t follow a pattern. If you believe and stay patient, your day will come.”
