The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Cup, overseen by DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin’s sports department, faced backlash after a sudden 40 kg weight limit rule was imposed on participants in the new Silambam competition. Students, parents, and trainers protested fiercely, leading authorities to reverse the decision and allow all students to compete. The tournament, featuring 15 sports events, including Silambam, continues at Trichy’s Anna Stadium until October 11, 2024.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Cup
After protests from trainers, parents, and students regarding the sudden and arbitrary imposition of conditions for the Silambam competition, all students have now been allowed to participate.
This year’s Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Cup, overseen by DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin’s sports department, has faced criticism right from the start. The new conditions imposed on the sport shocked participants and were seen as poorly managed from the start.
This year, 15 district-level sports events, including chess, handball, boxing, volleyball, kabaddi, and badminton, were hosted as part of the Chief Minister’s Cup Sports Tournament held at Trichy’s Anna Stadium. A new Silambam competition was also introduced, attracting many students from across the country eager to showcase their skills with chilambu sticks.
However, participants were taken aback when a sudden 40 kg weight limit was imposed at the venue, despite no such condition being specified during online registration. Many children who had travelled long distances were heartbroken and began to cry upon learning they could not compete.
Parents Protest Over Sudden Weight Rule
Tensions escalated as parents and coaches clashed with umpires over the unexpected rule change. There were heated arguments over the exclusion of students based on their weight. Despite many students having registered for the Silambam competition, numerous participants were turned away when officials enforced the new weight restriction.
Frustrated coaches voiced their objections, but when referees dismissed their concerns, parents of the affected students gathered around the officials and staged a protest. Amidst the growing outcry, authorities eventually relented and permitted students weighing less than 40 kg to participate in the competition.
In addition to Silambam, the tournament includes Kabaddi, Carrom, Swimming, Bowling Ball, Athletics, Cricket, Badminton, Chess, Wheelchair Table Tennis, Volleyball, and handball. These events will take place at various locations until 11th October 2024.
(With inputs from MaalaiMalar)
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