Mixed response despite having attractive cash prizes, CM’s Trophy fails to bring in sufficient entries

Walter Davaram, president of the Tamil Nadu Athletics Association, said the poor response was largely due to the timing of the event and the foul weather playing spoilsport. “Most participants, who are college-going students, have to appear for their exams. And with there being heavy rainfall, it disrupts the best laid plans and forces everyone to stay indoors,” said Davaram.

Davaram lauded the government’s initiative to conduct the CM’s trophy every year unfailingly since it came into being four years ago. “This serves as an ideal platform for participants in the age group of U-21 from across the state to showcase their talent. There is a hefty prize money on offer with the winner receiving Rs. 1 lakh and the players finishing second and third taking home a prize money of Rs. 75,000 and 50,000,” mentioned Davaram.

According to Davaram, the significance of CM’s trophy can’t be overstated as it has helped the state unearth a bright prospect in ace long-distance runner in L Surya from Pudukottai. 

Meanwhile, Loyola was crowned the deserving winner in the boys basketball event beating SDAT in the final. Earlier, SDAT put up an impressive show in its semi-final clash against AVMR HSS. 

Results: Men: 100 mts: R Rajesh. 800 mts: Sharan Shanker. 5000 mts: K Vinoth Kumar. 110 mts hurdles: V Sathish Kumar. High jump: Mohammed Akkiel. Long jump: M Vishnu. Triple jump: GS Adinadh. Shot put: M Ajith Kumar. Javelin throw: S Krishna Kumar. Discuss throw: RR Ashwin.