20k athletes and 32 events Thiruvanthapuram to turn sports capital for eight days

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For eight days, Thiruvananthapuram will take on the mantel of the sports capital of Kerala hosting over 20,000 students for the 67th State School Sports Meet. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the meet the second edition to be conducted in the format of the School Olympics at the University Stadium at 4pm on Tuesday. Legendary footballer I M Vijayan will be the main attraction at the opening. National cricketer Sanju Samson is the brand ambassador of the mega event. While rain remains a concern for the smooth conduct of the event, General Education Minister V Sivankutty has promised necessary arrangements to avert potential issues. We have arranged for alternative venues as well, the minister said on Sunday. The winning district, whose total score will be evaluated by combining the results of general and sports schools, will receive the Chief Ministers Golden Cup from this year. However, a championship trophy will be presented to general and sports schools that emerge as table toppers in athletics. Over 1,944 disabled students will be among the competitors, adding to the inclusive nature of the meet. Around 35 students studying in state syllabus schools in Gulf countries, including 12 girls, will also participate in the meet, which is being organised at 12 venues across the district. Makeshift arrangements being made at the Central Stadium, one of the 12 venues across the district The opening ceremony will begin with a parade by around 300 participants from various district. Vijayan and Sivankutty will light the ceremonial flame. The ceremony will be attended by Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, ministers, MPs, and MLAs. Over 3,000 children will be part of the cultural programme that will follow the inauguration. Accommodation for participants has been arranged in over 74 schools across the district. The main food court at Putharikandam Maidhanam will have facilities to seat 2,500 people. An exhibition featuring the states key achievements in sports will be part of the meet. Five other food courts, 142 buses for facilitating travel have also been arranged, said officials. Close to 1,000 officials and 2,000 volunteers will be deployed for coordination. Excise officers will monitor venues and accommodation for illicit activity. While Thiruvananthapuram emerged winners last year, officials expect this edition to be very competitive. The meet will be telecast live on the Kite Victers channel.