The open invitation selection trials will be held on March 16, (Sunday) at 8,30 AM at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai, located at Vandalur Kelambakkam Road, Keelakottaiyur.

Aspiring players are required to bring their UDID (Unique Disability ID), disability certificate, Aadhaar card, and a passport-size photo for verification. Prior registration is mandatory to participate in the trials.

For further details and registration, interested candidates can contact 9940633177 / 9841702338.

The Tamil Nadu Para Cricket Association is committed to promoting inclusivity and providing opportunities for differently-abled cricketers to represent the state at competitive levels. The event is expected to witness a strong turnout as talented players compete for a spot in the state team.

The association’s leadership includes Dr. Raghavi (President), Dr. Vincent (Vice President), Mr. Mukundhan (Secretary), and Mr. Senthil (Treasurer), who are working collectively to support and develop para cricket in Tamil Nadu.

As part of this initiative, four new ‘Muthalamaichar Chiru Vilaiyattarangam’ were inaugurated in different assembly constituencies across Tamil Nadu. Each facility, constructed at a cost of Rs.3 crore, contributes to a total investment of Rs.12 crore. The locations are: 

• Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni (Chennai): The facility boasts a state-of-the-art gymnasium with air-conditioned training halls, a 400-meter athletic track, a hockey field with floodlights, and two cricket training pitches.
• Solavandhan (Madurai District): This facility features a 200-meter running track, courts for kabaddi, volleyball and basketball, a long jump pit, and a grandstand with seating for spectators.
• Karaikudi (Sivagangai District): In Karaikudi, the facility features a 400-meter running track, multi-purpose courts for volleyball, basketball, and kabaddi, a long jump pit and a spectator stand.
• Thirunagari (Thoothukudi District): This facility has a 400-meter running track, football ground, basketball court, long jump pit and a spectator stand.

The event was attended by prominent ministers and officials, including: S.R. Rajakannappan – Minister for Co-operatives, Anitha R. Radhakrishnan – Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, P. Moorthy – Minister for Commercial Taxes, Dhayanidhi Maran – Member of Parliament, MLAs: A. Chenguttavan (Thirunagari), M.C. Shanmugaiya (Karaikudi), S. Mangudi (Kovilpatti), Chennai Mayor R. Priya, officials from the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority, sports enthusiasts, and athletes.

These new sports facilities align with the government’s vision to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle while fostering young talent in various sports disciplines.

The prestigious event saw participation from 16 states across India, showcasing the rising football talent from underprivileged communities.

In the boys’ final, Tamil Nadu defeated Uttarakhand 7-5, while in the girls’ final, they overcame Madhya Pradesh 6-4, clinching the Orange City Winners Trophy. The tournament, organised by Slum Soccer NGO, aimed to empower young footballers and promote the sport at the grassroots level.

Tamil Nadu’s success was led by Coach Noor Basha, whose guidance played a key role in the team’s remarkable performance. Ph: 98406 86792.

The league featured three dynamic teams (KB Super Kings, Seven+1 Smashers and KB Racquet Rebels), each composed of passionate players who regularly practice at KB Nagar Park. In a unique twist, a mock auction was organised to form the teams, where three enthusiastic team owners bid for their players. The auction was an exciting event in itself, showcasing the strategic mindset and enthusiasm of the team owners as they built their squads.

Once the teams were finalised, the matches kicked off with great energy and excitement. Spectators were treated to thrilling rallies and nail-biting finishes as the players showcased their skills across different age categories. The event fostered a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition among the participants, bringing the community closer together. At the end of the event, all three teams won the matches equally. On a score basis, Seven+1 Smashers won the Winners trophy. The team comprised Balamurali, Dhanasekar, Dheepan, Hemanth, Ishwar Rao, T.O.Praburaja, Pragadeeswaran and Varunkumar. KB Park Super Kings bagged the runner-up with team players T.O.Balu, Keerthivasan, Pranav, Ravi, Rohinraj, Sanjay, Shravan and Venkat. The referees were Murali and Vijayaraghavan (club coaches).

The organizers emphasized the importance of such events in promoting sportsmanship and fostering a sense of community among badminton enthusiasts. With the success of the event, participants and spectators are already looking forward to the next event.

New members can enrol their names. Free entry. Any gender or any age group, if interested in playing badminton, contact 98413 97612, 98840 04215.

Furthermore, her outstanding performance has earned her a selection for the upcoming international competition to be held in Indonesia.

Kanishkaa is a student of Shraddha Children’s Academy, Kottivakkam, while coaching and guidance are being provided by the Aim ‘N’ Hit Roller Skating Academy, Palavakkam, under the expert guidance of coach Udhayakumar. Ph: 98412 73984.

Four star sailors of the Tamil Nadu Sailing Association representing our state won three of the ten Golds at this prestigious event. The first two days were sailed on a medium to high wind condition of 10-15 knots whereas the next three days the winds were low from 6 – 12 knots with patchy conditions. The sailors braved the varying conditions and ensured that they hit the podium demonstrating their talent and skill at this National Arena.

Nethra Kumanan, the two-time Olympian of the state won the Gold in the One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6 (Women) class which was called Laser Radial Class earlier with 15 penalty points in 10 races in which there were 6 competitors. Mr Chitresh Tatha won the Gold in the Formula Kite Class with 6 penalty points where there were 7 races conducted. Another class of iQFoil (Women) saw Ishwariya Ganesh, win the Gold with 9 penalty points out of 11 races. M K Lepakshi’s performance in ILCA6 finishing 5th & Mr Sachin Ganesh’s performance in iQFoil (Men) finishing 6th were other commendable performances by the Tamil Nadu sailors.  

Carnatic vocalist Dr Nithyasree Mahadevan and retired IPS officer Archana Ramasundaram flagged off the event. The initiative was led by the NABH-certified Radhatri Nethralaya and supported by Rotary.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 300 people, including individuals from diverse age groups and walks of life. Students from Queen Mary’s College and Shasun Jain College joined the walkathon in large numbers, along with women auto drivers, demonstrating a strong community spirit.

Rotarians C.Muthusamy, Dr.K.P.Vijayakumar, and Vanaja Krishnamoorthy played pivotal roles in coordinating the programme, ensuring its smooth execution and widespread impact.

The championship featured Street and Park events, where Tamil Nadu athletes excelled, demonstrating their skill and determination. Their training took place at premier facilities in Chennai – Madras Wheelers Skate Park (Thoraipakkam) and G Skate Park (Medavakkam), under the guidance of experienced coaches Vijay Dominic and Durai.

Tamil Nadu’s growing interest in roller sports and steady rise in national competitions underscore the state’s potential as a hub for this Olympic sport. The athletes’ success at the championship inspires a new generation, cementing Tamil Nadu’s position as a prominent contender in the field of roller sports.

A standout moment was the symbolic declaration of the sports meet, where he released doves amidst the cheers of excited children, representing peace and harmony. Usha Ravichandran, retired principal of Pon Vidyashram School, added grace to the event, applauding the children’s efforts and distributing medals and certificates.

Senior KG students led the torch-bearing ceremony, followed by a captivating march past. Activities like races, drills, and games delighted everyone, while parent participation added to the fun. Ph: 98843 00080, 98842 00080.

The event was presided over by K.R. Kathir Murugan, Ward Councillor Ward 170, with Advocate Latha (Madras High Court) as the guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, V.J. Balamurugan, Trustee of the Foundation, highlighted the objectives of the initiative. Supported by CSR funding from Basilio Software Pvt. Ltd., the trust aims to identify children aged 12 to 16 years with a passion and aptitude for rifle shooting and archery across all districts in Tamil Nadu.

Key Highlights of the Initiative:

• 50 young talents will be selected at the state level after rigorous physical and mental fitness evaluations.
• The selected participants will receive professional training under expert coaches.
• The foundation will take responsibility for the education and family welfare of the selected athletes for four years.
• Talented individuals will be prepared to compete in district, state, national, and international tournaments, with the ultimate goal of representing India at the Olympics.

Balamurugan added, “Our mission is to help India achieve global excellence by producing Olympic champions from underprivileged communities. This initiative is not just about sports; it’s about empowering the youth and uplifting their families.” 

This visionary project is a stepping stone to uncover hidden talent in marginalised communities, offering them opportunities to shine on national and international stages.