Sports

Sports

Appavu distributes sports equipment to beneficiaries in Tirunelveli

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker M. Appavu distributed sports equipment to 576 sportspersons from 397 wards, covering one corporation, three municipalities and 17 town panchayats district, at the event held at V.O.C. stadium in Palayamkottai on Tuesday. Speaking at the event, Mr. Appavu said that the Tamil Nadu government has been implementing various initiatives with the aim of producing world class athletes and sportspersons from the state. Under the Kalaignar Sports Equipment distribution scheme, 33 types of sports equipment such as cricket bat, football, volleyball, tennis bats, carom boards, silambam, badminton rackets and chess boards, has been distributed to the beneficiaries, he added. At the event 165 equipment were provided to 55 wards of Tirunelveli Corporation, 138 equipment to 69 wards of three municipalities and 273 equipment to 273 wards of 17 town panchayats in the district. Tirunelveli District Collector R. Sukumar, Tirunelveli Corporation Mayor G. Ramakrishnan, Corporation Commissioner Monika Rana and other officials were present.In Thoothukudi, Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Minister P. Geetha Jeevan distributed sports equipment at the event organised in Tharuvai grounds.A total of 618 sports equipment were distributed to beneficiaries of 417 wards of the Thoothukudi district, including Thoothukudi corporation, municipalities and town panchayats.Thoothukudi District Collector K. Elambahavath, Thooothukudi Corporation Commissioner S. Priyanka, and other officials were present.

Sports

Thousands of Tirunelveli residents join The Federal marathon

On December 29, 2024, Tirunelveli buzzed with energy as Nellai Marathon 2024 — organised by The Federal in collaboration with Francis Xavier Engineering College and the Tirunelveli District Athletic Association — brought together over 1,000 runners from the community to promote health and fitness. The event featured two race categories: a 10-km run for men and a 5-km run for women, with enthusiastic participants cheered on by volunteers and spectators along the route starting from Anna Maidanam in Tirunelveli city Awards were given to the top finishers, including Pasupathi M (first place in the men’s run) and Sowmiya M (first place in the women’s run), while all early entrants received T-shirts and participation certificates to celebrate their achievement.

Sports

Youth school sports / annual school sports day events (Tirunelveli local)

Annual School Sports Day celebrations in Tirunelveli have emerged as vibrant and highly anticipated events, playing a crucial role in nurturing young sporting talent and promoting physical fitness among students. Across government, aided, and private schools in the district, these sports days are conducted with great enthusiasm, transforming school grounds into colourful arenas filled with energy, discipline, and competitive spirit. Students, teachers, parents, and local guests actively participate, making the events a true community celebration of youth and sports. Key highlights of Tirunelveli school sports days include a wide range of athletic and team events such as 100m, 200m, and 400m races, relay events, long jump, high jump, shot put, and fun races for junior students. Many schools also organise football, volleyball, kabaddi, kho-kho, badminton, and yoga demonstrations, ensuring equal opportunities for students with different sporting interests and abilities. Special emphasis is placed on march-past parades, where house teams display discipline and unity, often inspected by invited chief guests such as sports officials, education department representatives, or former athletes. Schools in Tirunelveli use sports day platforms to identify promising athletes for inter-school, zonal, and district-level competitions. Physical education teachers carefully monitor performances, encouraging skilled students to pursue advanced training. For many students, these events serve as their first exposure to competitive sports, helping them overcome stage fear, build self-confidence, and develop leadership skills. Awards such as Best Athlete (Boys & Girls), house championships, and special appreciation certificates motivate students to excel both on and off the field. Beyond competition, school sports days promote vital life values such as teamwork, discipline, fair play, and perseverance. Schools also focus on inclusivity by organising events for differently-abled students and encouraging equal participation from boys and girls. Parents have praised Tirunelveli schools for balancing academics with sports, recognising that physical education plays a key role in a child’s overall development. Overall, youth school sports and annual sports day events in Tirunelveli are not just ceremonial occasions but foundations for future sporting excellence. With structured planning, enthusiastic participation, and growing institutional support, these events continue to strengthen the district’s grassroots sports culture and inspire the next generation of athletes from Tirunelveli.

Sports

Edwina Jayson earns Silver medals in Asian athletics

Athlete Edwina Jayson, hailing from Tirunelveli district, has brought immense pride to Tamil Nadu and India by winning Silver medals at a major Asian-level athletics championship. Her outstanding performance on the international stage has placed Tirunelveli firmly on the Asian sports map and inspired young athletes across the region. Representing India with determination and discipline, Edwina showcased world-class speed, coordination, and teamwork in relay events against strong competition from several Asian nations. 🔑 Key Highlights 🏃 Journey and Impact Edwina Jayson’s journey from district-level competitions to the Asian arena is a story of perseverance and consistent hard work. Beginning her training in Tamil Nadu’s competitive athletics circuit, she progressed through state and national-level meets, earning selection to represent India internationally. Her success is seen as proof that athletes from non-metro districts like Tirunelveli can excel on global platforms with the right guidance and support. Sports experts have noted that Edwina’s performance demonstrates the importance of early talent identification, disciplined coaching, and competitive exposure. Local schools and sports clubs in Tirunelveli are now using her achievement as an example to encourage structured athletics programmes and regular participation in track and field events. 🌟 Pride of Tirunelveli Edwina Jayson’s silver-medal feat is more than a personal achievement—it is a symbol of Tirunelveli’s sporting potential. Her success has strengthened calls for improved sports infrastructure, better training facilities, and increased institutional backing for athletes in the district. As she continues her journey towards bigger international meets, Edwina stands as a beacon of hope and ambition for Tirunelveli’s next generation of athletes. Her achievement proves that with dedication and support, Tirunelveli athletes can shine on the Asian and world stage.

Sports

Boxing and combat sport interest in Tirunelveli community

Interest in boxing and combat sports has been steadily rising in Tirunelveli, with more youngsters and fitness enthusiasts turning towards disciplines such as boxing, kickboxing, karate, taekwondo, and mixed martial arts (MMA). Across the city and surrounding areas, training grounds like VOC Stadium, Anna Stadium, and local sports halls have become active centres where aspiring athletes gather daily to practice drills, build strength, and learn combat techniques under experienced coaches. This shift reflects a growing awareness that combat sports not only improve physical fitness but also instil discipline, confidence, and mental toughness. Local trainers note that many students are choosing boxing and martial arts as a serious sporting career, while others take it up for self-defence, stress relief, and overall fitness. Schools and colleges in Tirunelveli are also increasingly encouraging students to participate in district- and state-level competitions, leading to improved exposure and talent identification. Several young boxers from the district have represented Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu state meets, earning medals and recognition, which has further motivated the next generation of athletes. The community response has been largely positive, with parents supporting children—especially girls—to enrol in combat sport training programmes for self-confidence and personal safety. Weekend sparring sessions and local-level bouts are drawing spectators, creating a small but growing fan base for boxing and martial arts in the region. Coaches, however, point out challenges such as limited infrastructure, need for modern equipment, and funding support, which they believe could be addressed through greater involvement from sports authorities and sponsors. Despite these hurdles, Tirunelveli’s combat sports culture continues to gain momentum. With consistent training, increased awareness, and institutional support, the district has strong potential to produce state and national-level boxing and martial arts champions in the coming years. The growing enthusiasm on the ground clearly shows that combat sports are becoming an important part of Tirunelveli’s evolving sports landscape.

Sports

Nellai Marathon draws huge participation

The Nellai Marathon, held in Tirunelveli, witnessed massive participation from runners across the district and neighbouring regions, turning the city into a vibrant hub of fitness and sporting spirit. The marathon, organised with the objective of promoting health awareness, physical fitness, and community engagement, attracted participants from all age groups, including school students, college youth, working professionals, senior citizens, and professional athletes. Early in the morning, the streets of Tirunelveli came alive as runners gathered at the starting point, cheered on by volunteers, officials, and enthusiastic local residents. The event featured multiple categories such as 5 km, 10 km, and half-marathon distances, ensuring inclusivity for both beginners and experienced runners. Participants highlighted that the marathon was well-organised with proper route markings, hydration points, medical support, and volunteer assistance throughout the course. Many runners expressed pride in being part of a sporting event that not only tested endurance but also spread awareness about the importance of leading a disciplined and active lifestyle. Local authorities and sports organisers stated that the Nellai Marathon has grown steadily over the years and is now considered one of the key annual fitness events in southern Tamil Nadu. Winners in various categories were awarded medals, certificates, and cash prizes, while all finishers received participation medals as a mark of encouragement. Several runners from Tirunelveli also used the platform to prepare for state-level and national marathon events, reflecting the region’s growing interest in endurance sports. The marathon concluded with a brief ceremony where organisers emphasised the need to make Tirunelveli a sports-friendly and fitness-oriented city. With increasing participation each year, the Nellai Marathon has emerged as more than just a race — it has become a symbol of unity, health consciousness, and the rising sporting culture of Tirunelveli district.

Sports

The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025

The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025 was a highly competitive Twenty20 cricket tournament organized by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, featuring eight franchise teams from across the state, including Nellai Royal Kings, which represents Tirunelveli. Held during June–July 2025, the league followed a round-robin format followed by playoffs, attracting strong crowds and wide television and digital viewership. The season showcased emerging Tamil Nadu talent alongside experienced domestic players, delivering several close matches and standout individual performances. iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans emerged as the champions, winning their maiden TNPL title with consistent all-round performances throughout the tournament. TNPL 2025 once again proved to be an important platform for grassroots cricketers to progress to higher levels of Indian cricket, while also strengthening Tirunelveli’s identity as a regular host city for major state-level cricket events.