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Sports in Tamil Nadu

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Sports in Tamil Nadu

Sports bring people, society, country and world together! In a sense, sports are nothing but a catalyst for development and peace as it promotes unity in a great fashion. As a matter of fact, sports can well be used as a tool for bringing people together. In one or the way, everyone is involved in sports, as a participant or as an audience.

Tamilnadu Sports Profile

Even, people who follow sports through television, from the comfort of their home, can be considered as a part of that respective sport as good viewership also contributes to the development of sports. The singular prospect of sport is not its ability to ameliorate physical fitness, but its mightiness to unite people of any class, any beliefs together.

Besides, we live in a world where one or the other sport is being played around the globe at any given minute. Sports play a crucial role in the way countries are progressing. It would not be an overstatement if we say that sports offer an identity to a nation! It is significant to note that to counter the increasing popularity of video games and other virtual games which alter the healthy lifestyles of children, sports are the only solution to enhance their mental and physical development.

In addition, any educational activity, be it a school education or college education, without any sports is absolutely incomplete! In fact, sports are an integral part of any education. Realizing the value of sports, most of the educational institutions in the country have included sports in their curriculum, if not encouraging and promoting sports and organizing competitions. Let's get to know all about the sports scenario in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

Also Read: Sports in Chennai | Sports in Coimbatore | Sports in Tiruchirappalli | Sports in Salem | Sports in Kanyakumari | Sports in Madurai | Sports in Thanjavur

Traditional Sports of Tamil Nadu

Unlike the other states of our country, Tamil Nadu has several traditional sports (regional sports) that are played by the local population. Traditional sports of Tamil Nadu are primarily played across the rural areas of the state, especially during the festivals. Some of the most popular traditional sports of Tamil Nadu include

Jallikattu

Alanganallur Jallikattu

Jallikattu also known as yeru thazhuvuthal or manju virattu is one of the oldest and most popular traditional sport of Tamil Nadu. Basically a bull taming sport, Jallikattu is regarded as a Tamil veera vilyattu (bravery sport). Jallikattu is mostly played as a part of the festivities of Thai Pongal, marking the second day of Maatu Pongal.

The bull taming sport is usually played during the month of January. Palamedu, a small town in Madurai district is the proud host of Jallikattu played usually on January 15th followed by Alanganallur in Madurai district on 16th January. The special bulls used during this bravery sport belong to the Madurai's own Pulikulam cattle breed. Some of the other popular cattle breeds that are widely used for jalli kattu include malai maadu, naatu maadu (palingu) and umblachery maadu.

The bravery sport of Jalli kattu come in three editions and they are Veli virattu, Vati manju virattu and Vatam manju virattu.

Kabaddi

Tamilnadu Kabaddi

A popular contact sport that was originated in the Indian continent, Kabaddi is officially the state sport of Tamil Nadu. Widely called as Sadugudu in the local language, Kabaddi is one of the celebrated traditional sports of Tamil Nadu. 

Uriyadi

Uriyadi in Tamil Nadu

Another popular traditional sport of Tamil Nadu, Uriyadi is mainly played during the temple festivals across the villages in the state. The rural game is all about breaking the hanging pot with a stick with eyes blindfolded. The prize money is usually kept inside the hanging pot and whoever smashes the hanging pot is considered as the winner.

Kittipulla

Kittipulla

Kittipulla is the Tamil version of the amateur game of Gilli Danda played across the rural parts of Tamil Nadu. The game demands just two simple tools, a gilli and a danda. The danda is a long wooden stick of about 2 ft and a gilli which is a small wooden stick of about three inches long.

Some of the other popular traditional sports of Tamil Nadu include Illavatta kal, Nondi, Pacha kuthirai, Malyutham, Rekla, Seval sandai, Aadupuli aatam, Pambaram and so on.

Cricket in Tamil Nadu

Just like the other states of India, Cricket is the most popular sport in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) associated to the Board of control for cricket in India (BCCI) is the primary Cricket body regulating the game of Cricket in the state. The official Cricket body TNCA is principally involved in the development of the Cricket from the amateur level to the national level.
TNCA

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association encourages and modernizes the game of cricket by organizing several local cricket matches, tournaments and leagues. Apart from the national level tournaments, the TNCA organizes various cricket matches for Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19, Under-22 and Under-25 age groups. The official cricket body also organizes league championship matches for city associated cricket clubs.

As a matter of fact, there are almost 726 league matches are conducted annually from first division to fifth division. The city league championship edition is one of the finest cricket tournaments in India particularly in first division where league cricket matches are conducted on a three-day pattern sticking to the guidelines of Ranji Trophy.

Cricket Team of Tamilnadu

The financial resources from the corporate are accounted for over six crores towards cricketers’ allowances, stadium maintenance, game equipments and so on. Tamil Nadu also houses 28 district cricket bodies affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. There are 780 active cricket clubs from various districts of Tamil Nadu where cricket matches are organized for different age groups. Cricket balls and mats are provided by Tamil Nadu Cricket Association to the districts each year for free of cost.

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association is the proud owner of the notable M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk Stadium) is the home ground for the Tamil Nadu cricket team and the Chennai Super Kings.

Some of the important divisional title trophies conducted by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association include:
  • The Raja of Palayampatti Shield (1st Division)
  • C. P. Johnstone Shield (2nd Division)
  • C. R. Rangachari Shield (3rd A Division)
  • G. Parthasarathy Shield (3rd B Division)
  • N. Kannayiram Shield (4th A Division)
  • A.g. Kripal Singh Shield (4th B Division)
  • K. S. Kannan Shield (4th C Division)
  • P. Ananda Rau Shield (5th A Division)
  • V. P. Raghavan Shield (5th B Division)
  • M. V. Kasturi Rangan Shield (5th C Division)
  • S. Annadorai Shield (5th D Division)
  • T. K. N. Babu Shield (6th A Division)
  • P. C. Ramudu Shield (6th B Division)     
Quick Facts:

Location of  Tamilnadu Cricket Association
M.A. Chidambaram Stadium
Victoria Hostel Road, Chepauk, Chennai - 600005
Phone Number: +91-44-28544175
Fax: +91-44-28552677
Email: tncamac@vsnl.net

Also Read: Cricket in Chennai | Cricket in Coimbatore | Cricket in Madurai

Tamil Nadu Cricket Team

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Team, the official cricket team that represents the southern state of Tamil Nadu in the Super League of the Ranji Trophy (a domestic first-class cricket championship played in the country). The Tamil Nadu Cricket Team is managed by the official cricket body of the state, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). The team is considered as one of the toughest cricket teams in the country after finishing as second best after Mumbai in the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons of the Ranji Trophy.

Chennai Super Kings

A franchise cricket team, Chennai Super Kings participates in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL), (unofficially) representing the state of Tamil Nadu.

CSK

Launched during the year 2008, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is coached by the former captain of the New Zealand national cricket team Stephen Fleming and led by the current captain of the Indian cricket team, M. S. Dhoni. The CSK team plays its home T20 matches at the Chennai M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk Stadium).

CSK winning Moments

Having won the IPL championship twice (2010 and 2011) and the first Indian team to have won the Champions League Twenty20 (2010 and 2014) and three time IPL runners-up (2008, 2012 and 2013), Chennai Super Kings is regarded as one of the most dangerous team in T20 circuit.

Quick Facts:

Leading Run-scorer: Suresh Raina
Leading Wicket-taker: Ravichandran Ashwin
Home Ground: M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai (Chepauk Stadium)
Secondary Home Ground: JSCA International Cricket Stadium in Ranchi

Football in Tamil Nadu

Competing with the popularity of the game of Cricket, Football can considered be the second most played game in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu Football Team run by the official football body of the state, the Tamil Nadu Football Association, represents the state in the famous Santosh Trophy.

Football Team Tamil Nadu

In the Santosh Trophy, a yearly Indian football tourney which is contended by states and government establishments, Tamil Nadu plays under the group of South and West Zone. The Tamil Nadu Foot Ball Team ended up as two time runners-up on two occasions that is 1972-73 and 2012. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Marina Arena) in Chennai is the home ground of the Tamil Nadu Football Team.


President of Tamil Nadu Football Association
Shri Dr.S.Cletus Babu
Phone Number: 044-25389739
Mobile Number: 9095070001
Fax: 044-25394833
Email: tn.football@yahoo.in

General Secretary of Tamil Nadu Football Association
Shri B. Ravikumar David
Phone Number: 044-25389739
Mobile Number: 9840025402
Fax: 044-25394833
Email: david.ravikumar@yahoo.in

Also Read: Football in Chennai

Chennaiyin FC

A football franchise team from Chennai that participate in the Indian Super League, a professional football league in India.

Chennaiyain FC Jersey Unveiling Function

The franchise team is owned by Indian Cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan and Vita Dani. Chennaiyin FC's player-manager is Marco Materazzi (Italian footballer), and its qualified marquee player is Elano (Brazilia professional footballer).

Current Squad of Chennaiyin FC:

International Footballers: Gennaro Bracigliano, Jairo Suárez, Bernard Mendy, Alessandro Nesta, Elano, Cristian Hidalgo, Jean-Eud es Maurice, Bojan Djordjic, Bruno Pelissari, Marco Materazzi, Mikaël Silvestre, Francesco Franzese, Eric Djemba-Djemba

Indian Footballers: Sukhwinder Singh, Khelemba Singh, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Denson Devadas, Abhishek Das, Jayesh Rane, Balwant Singh, Harmanjot Khabra, Gouramangi Singh, Abhijit Mondal, Shilton Paul, Jaison Vales, Dhanachandra Singh, Anthony Barbosa, Pappachen Pradeep

Tennis in Tamil Nadu

The Chennai city is the proud host of the far-famed Chennai Open. The Chennai Open is a professional tennis tourney played on hard courts (outdoor).

Chennai Open

The Chennai Open is presently a part of the ATP World Tour 250 series (the newest series for tennis tournaments) of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) World Tour. The tournament is conducted yearly in the month of January at the Chennai SDAT Tennis Stadium in Tamil Nadu.

Did you know?
Mahesh Bhupathi of Chennai became the first India to win a Grand Slam tournament - Australian Open mixed doubles in 2006.

The Tamil Nadu Tennis Association also known as TNTA is the official body that encourages and administrates the game of tennis in Tamil Nadu. The state tennis body is affiliated with the All India Tennis Association (AITA). After the humble beginnings, today the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association is regarded as a professional tennis establishment. At present, there are 28 tennis clubs associated to the tennis association.

Also Read: Tennis in Chennai | Tennis in Coimbatore

Some of TNTA’s present activities include:
  • Operating dedicated coaching schools for tennis
  • Organizing and administrating tennis tourneys at various levels
  • Maintaining oneness with Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), All India Tennis Association (AITA) and other professional and official bodies
  • Organizing Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) events
  • Leading training camps for players representing the state of Tamil Nadu
  • Yearly honors for talented tennis players in various age brackets
  • Organizing free training for corporation school children with the help of Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu
Some of the popular Tennis Clubs affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA) include:

Anna Nagar Club
Mr. M. R. Balakrishnan,
J37, Anna Nagar East, Chennai - 600102
Phone Number: 044-26268855

Besant Nagar Club
12, III Avenue, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600090
Phone Number: 044-2491537

Egmore Tennis Club
Mr. Rameez Samad, Zone-F
8, Big Street, Kilpauk Garden, Chennai - 600010
Phone Number: 044-26461569

Madras Club
No.8, Boat Club Road, Adyar, Chennai - 600020
Phone Number: 044-24320947

Coimbatore District Tennis Club
Mr. D. Srinivasan
Coimbatore District Tennis Association,
527 Avinashi Road, Peelamedu, Coimbatore - 641004

Y. M. C. A. (Nandanam)
B-4/Sical Race View Apartments, Race Course Road, Guindy, Chennai - 600032
Phone Number: 044-22353256

Nungambakkam Tennis Club
12, Lake Area, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600034
Phone Number: 044-24819140

Defence Officers Club
Mr. Arjun
132 Defence Colony, No.34, Nandambakkam, Chennai - 600 032
Phone Number: 044-22327203   

Presidency Club
23, Commander-In-Chief Road, Ethiraj Salai, Chennai - 600105
Phone Number: 044-28226881

Tennis Academies and Coaching Schools Affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA):

Tamil Nadu Tennis Association Coaching School
(4 clay courts)
MRC Stadium, Gandhi Irwin Road, Chennai - 600008
Phone Number: 044-28191034
Contact Person: Hiten Joshi/ Sreenivasarao

TNTA Coaching School
(2 hard courts)
Tennis Stadium, Lake Area, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 34
Phone Number: 044-28170381
Contact Person: Hiten Joshi/ Ramana

SDAT - Prince Tennis Academy
(2 clay + 2 hard courts)
Adult Playfield, Block No. 8, Mogappair West, Chennai - 600037
Contact Person: Amaline John, Hon Secretary
Phone Number: 9840485929

Team Tennis South
(4 clay courts)
New No. 14, First Main Road, Seethammal Colony, Alwarpet, Chennai - 600018
Contact Person: Sai Jayalakshmi
Phone Number: 9841050042
Email: teamtennissouth@gmail.com

Rupa Tennis Academy
(2 clay courts)
Mylapore Club, 39 Luz Church Road, Mylapore, Chennai - 600004
Contact Person: Rupa Kaushik
Phone Number: 98400 68220

District Tennis Association in Tamil Nadu

Tiruchirappalli
The Tiruchy District Tennis Association
Hotel Madura, No. 1 Rockins Road, Cantonment, Trichirapalli - 620001
Phone Number: 0431-2414737

Coimbatore
Coimbatore District Tennis Association
Venkataramana Road, Sastri Maidhan, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore - 641002

Salem
Salem District Tennis Association
5 Rajaji Road, Salem - 636007
Phone Number: 0427-2212507, 9894725507

Madurai
Madurai Tennis Foundation
No. 8, Goodshed Street, Madurai - 625001
Phone Number: 9894949025

Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari District Tennis Association
Nagercoil Tennis Club, M S Road (Near Hotel Rajam), Vadasery, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari - 629001

Cuddalore
Cuddalore District Tennis Association
Hotel Saradharam, 19 V.G.P. Street, Chidambaram, Cuddalore - 608001
Phone Number: 04144-221337, 225250

Motor Racing in Tamil Nadu

Narain Karthikeyan

The adventurous sport of motor racing was popularized in the southern state of Tamil Nadu by Sundaram Karivardhan (Kari), a legendary racer of Indian motorsports. Motor racing held between the time periods of 1960s to 1980s was organized at Sholavaram (a town 24 km north of Chennai), a raceway once used to be a landing strip during Second World War.

Did you know?
(Only) Two people represented India in FIA Formula One World Championship (Formula 1) viz. Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok - both of them are from Tamil Nadu

At present, most of the contemporary motors racing events are conducted at the Irungattukottai Race Track, a permanent motor circuit situated in Irungattukottai at Sriperumbudur in Chennai and Kari Motor Speedway, a motor racing circuit situated in Orratukuppai at Chettipalayam in Coimbatore district.

Role of Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT)

The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, popularly known as SDAT is the official sports body of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The SDAT is committed in promoting various sports activities and importance of physical fitness across the state of Tamil Nadu. The sports body is also responsible for developing world class sports facilities and infrastructure and organizes sporting events in the state.
SDAT

With the objective of accomplishing a large pool of sports talent in the state to take part and accomplish in national and international sporting events, the SDAT has founded a lot of facility centres, development centres, sports scholarships, awards and incentives for sportspersons of the state and so on. Furthermore, the SDAT has introduced several schemes and initiatives for the benefit of the sports in the state. Some of the important initiatives and schemes launched by the SDAT include
  • World Beaters Talent Spotting Scheme
  • Budding Talent Scheme
  • Talent Development Centers
  • Acrobatics and Water Sports
  • Specialized Academies
  • Advance Training and Competitions Abroad
  • Sports Person Welfare Fund
  • Upgrading the Knowledge & Skills of Coaches and Pets and Sports Administrators
  • Champions Development Scheme
  • Sports for Special Children - Physically Challenged
  • Anna Cycle Race
Important Contact Information

Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu - Head Office
Address: 116-A, Periyar EVR High Road, Nehru Park,
Chennai - 600084

Member Secretary of SDAT HO
Shambhu Kallolikar,  I.A.S.,
Phone Number: 044-28361011
Email: mssdatn@gmail.com

Officer on Special Duty at SDAT HO
Tmt.V.Mary Rajathy
Phone Number: 7401703448

General Manager (i/c) of SDAT HO
V. R. Newbegin Chellappa       
PHone Number: 7401703449
Email: gmsdat@gmail.com   

Senior Manager of SDAT HO
A.Santhan
Phone Number: 7401703446

SDAT - District Sports Office Details

Chennai
Name of the Officer: B. Kandasamy
Designation: Chennai District Sports Officer
Phone Number: 044-26644794, 7401703480
Email: dsochn@gmail.com
Address of the Office: Shenoynagar Swimming Pool, 30, Cementry Salai, Chennai - 600 030 

Coimbatore
Name of the Officer: Stanley P.Mathew
Designation: District Sports and Youth Welfare Officer
Phone Number: 0422-2380 010, 7401703489
Email: dsocbe@gmail.com
Address of the Office:  Nehru Stadium, Coimbatore - 641 001

Tiruchirappalli
Name of the Officer: P. Kalaiselvan
Designation: District Sports and Youth Welfare Officer.
Phone Number: 0431-2420 685, 7401703494
Email: dsotry@gmail.com
Address of the Office: SDAT District Sports Unit, Anna Stadium, Kajamalai, Trichy - 620 020

Vellore
Name of the Officer: K.Pugazhendthi
Designation: District Sports and Youth Welfare Officer.
Phone Number: 0416-2221721, 7401703483
Email: dsovel@gmail.com
Address of the Office: SDAT District Sports Unit,Nethaji Stadium, Vellore - 632001 

Madurai
Name of the Officer: V.S.Ramasubramanian
Designation: District Sports and Youth Welfare Officer.
Phone Number: 0452-2537835, 7401703501
Email: dsomdu@gmail.com
Address of the Office: SDAT District Sports Unit, Dr. M.G.R. Stadium, Madurai - 625 002

Kanyakumari
Name of the Officer: L. Theerthoose
Designation: District Sports and Youth Welfare Officer.
Phone Number: 04652-232060, 7401703507
Email: dsokkm@gmail.com
Address of the Office: Arignar Anna Stadium, Nagercoil

Tirunelveli
Name of the Officer: P.Frank Paul Jeyaseelan
Designation: District Sports and Youth Welfare Officer.
Phone Number: 0462-2582632, 7401703506
Email: tnvwarden@gmail.com
Address of the Office: Sports Hostel, No.115 A , St.Thomas Road, A.R. Line, Anna Stadium, Palayamkottai Tirunelveli - 627002

To know more about the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, Click here

Stadiums and Other Sports Infrastructures in Tamil Nadu

M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Chepauk Stadium, Chennai

Formerly known as Madras Cricket Club and popularly known as Chepauk Stadium, M. A. Chidambaram Stadium is a cricket stadium owned by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). Hosting its first text match during 1934, M. A. Chidambaram Stadium is the oldest existing cricket stadium in the country.

Quick Facts:

Established: 1916
Stadium Capacity: 40,000
Floodlights: Yes
End Names: V Pattabhiraman Gate End & Anna Pavilion End
Home Ground for: Tamil Nadu Cricket Team and Chennai Super Kings (IPL)
First and Latest Test Match Hosted: Feb 1934 and Feb 2013
First and Latest One Day International Hosted: Oct 1987 and Dec 2012
Highlights: Indian team secured its first ever test match victory in 1952 at Chepauk stadium

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai

Popularly known as Marina Arena, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is a multipurpose stadium located in the southern metropolitan of Chennai. The stadium primarily hosts football matches and athletic contests. The sports facility also houses a multipurpose indoor stadium that servers as a hosts for basketball, table tennis and so on. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is also the home ground for Tamil Nadu Football Team and Chennaiyin FC of Indian Super League.

Quick Facts:

Location: Sydenhams Road, Periyamet, Chennai
Established: 1993
Stadium Capacity: 1993

Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, Chennai

Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, Chennai

Named after the former Mayor of Chennai city M. Radhakrishna Pillai, the sports facility is an important field hockey stadium in the country. Hosted several Men's Championships Trophy, Asian Hockey championship matches and domestic matches, the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai is owned by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.

Quick Facts:

Established: 1995
Stadium Capacity: 8,670
Surface: Artificial Turf

Aquatic Complex, Chennai

Aquatic Complex, Chennai

Established during 1995, the Aquatic Complex in Chennai hosts most of the aquatic events of South India.

Quick Facts:

Facilities: 8-lane racing pool of 50m x 25m, Fitness centre, Warm up Pool of 25m x 25m, Diving Pool of 18m x 25m, Indoor gymnastics facility and so on
Capacity: 4,000

Also Read: Swimming Pools in Coimbatore | Swimming in Madurai

Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu Tennis Stadium, Chennai

Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu Tennis Stadium, Chennai
Popularly called as SDAT Tennis Stadium or Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium, the tennis infrastructure mainly hosts Chennai Open ATP Tennis Championships.

Quick Facts:

Established: 1995
Stadium Capacity: 5,800
Surface: Outdoor hard courts
Facility: Five hard courts including floodlighted centre court

MGR Race Course Stadium, Madurai

A multipurpose stadium, the MGR Race Course Stadium in Madurai hosts a wide range of national and international sporting events.

Quick Facts:

Stadium Capacity: 30,000
Facilities: Tennis courts, Swimming pools, Cricket pitches, Badminton courts, Synthetic tracks and so on

Nehru Stadium, Coimbatore

Nehru Stadium, Coimbatore

A multipurpose stadium, the Nehru Stadium in Coimbatore is one of the preferred venues for hosting football tournaments in the state. Equipped with floodlights, the Nehru Stadium in Coimbatore also is the home of a 400 m polyurethane athletic track.

Quick Facts:

Established: 1971
Capacity: 30,000
Facilities: Athletic tracks, Football field, Cricket pitches and so on

Guindy Race Course, Chennai

Guindy Race Course, Chennai

A popular horse racing course, the Guindy Race Course is considered as the oldest horse racing course in the country. Established in 1977, the Guindy race course is owned by the Madras race club.

Some of the other important sports infrastructures and sports facilities of Tamil Nadu include:
  • MRF Pace Foundation, Chennai
  • Multipurpose Indoor Stadia at Salem
  • Multipurpose Indoor Stadia at Krishnagiri
  • Multipurpose Indoor Stadia at Dharmapuri
  • Anna Stadium, Tiruchirappalli

Prominent Sports Personalities from Tamil Nadu

Prominent Sports Personalities of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is the home of several eminent sports personalities who went to create a lot of records at national and international sporting arenas. Some of the prominent sports personalities from Tamil Nadu include

Viswanathan Anand: One of the versatile chess players, Viswanathan Anand is India's firs t grandmaster and 5-time World Chess Champion. Recipient of prestigious Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Arjuna Award,  Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and so on.

Kutraleeswaran: A marathon swimmer and a Guinness record holder for swimming across 6 channels. Became the youngest Arjuna Award recipient in 1996.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth: Former Indian cricket team captain, Kris Srikkanth was the opening batsman of the Indian team that won the world cup in 1983.

Murali Vijay: A right handed opening batsman, Murali Vijay is a regular member of the Indian cricket team in the test match arena.

Ravichandran Ashwin: A right arm off break bowler, R Ashwin is a big name among the spinners and the fastest Indian bowler to take 50 wickets and 100 wickets in test cricket.

Narain Karthikeyan: First ever Formula One motor racing driver from India, Narain Karthikeyan was the most popular driver in the 2010 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi: First woman grandmaster of India, Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi has succeeded more than any other Chess player for India in the Chess Olympiads.

Vasudevan Baskaran: Led the Indian hockey team which won gold medal at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, Soviet Union.

Dipika Pallikal: An Indian squash champion, Dipika Pallikal is the first Indian woman to break into the top 10 in the official world ranking for women's squash. Recipient of the prestigious Padma shri and Arjuna award.

Some of the other prominent sports personalities from Tamil Nadu include:
  • Mahesh Bhupathi, Tennis
  • Dinesh Karthik, Cricket
  • Ramanathan Krishnan, Tennis
  • Lakshmipathy Balaji, Cricket
  • Nirupama Vaidyanathan, Tennis
  • Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan, Cricket
  • Prakash Amritraj, Tennis
  • Karun Chandhok, Motor Racing
  • Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, Cricket
  • Joshna Chinappa, Squash
  • Krishnan Sasikiran, Chess
  • Maria Irudayam, Carrom

Also Read: Golf in Chennai | Sports Academies in Chennai | Sports Clubs in Chennai | Table Tennis in Chennai | Coimbatore Marathon | Golf Clubs in Coimbatore | Sports Shops in Coimbatore | Sports Shops in Madurai

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