Latest news with #UdhayanidhiStalin
The Hindu
a day ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
50% of hockey ground construction completed in Coimbatore
Construction of an international-standard hockey ground in Coimbatore has reached the halfway mark, with several key facilities nearing completion. Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin laid the foundation for the facility on April 27, 2025. It is being developed on a 7.02-acre site at the Corporation Higher Secondary School ground in R.S. Puram at an estimated cost of ₹9.67 crore. International specifications According to the Coimbatore Corporation, the ground is designed to meet international specifications. It will feature International Hockey Federation (FIH)-certified synthetic turf laid over 6,500 square metres, a dressing room spanning 147 square metres, six stadium mast lights, and a six-unit pop-up sprinkler system. A project official said, 'The initial phase of work includes installation of the turf, lighting, fencing, sprinkler system, and supporting infrastructure. The six pop-up sprinkler units have been installed and tested. Milling of the turf area is complete, and bituminous (BT) surfacing is under way, over which the synthetic turf will be laid. Fencing is in progress around the turf area, covering a length of 350 metres.' Two dugouts are also being constructed as part of the initial phase. Each of the six stadium mast light poles will stand 17 metres tall and will be fitted with 20 LED lights of 500 watts each. Construction of the dressing room, toilets, and a water tank is ongoing and is expected to be completed within a month, the official added. Future proposals include a spectator gallery with a seating capacity of 1,700, a conference hall, dining facility for players, a gymnasium, rest rooms, office spaces, and parking facilities for 114 cars and 208 two-wheelers.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Indian Express
HI & TN govt sign MoU for FIH Men's Jr WC, Pakistan also part of plans for marquee event
CHENNAI: Hockey fans in Tamil Nadu are in for a treat as Hockey India (HI) and the Tamil Nadu Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for hosting the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 to be held in the state. The official logo for the said event was also unveiled during the event that was held on Thursday. Moreover, the HI officials also confirmed that Pakistan will be one of the participating nations. India and Pakistan's relationship has been at its lowest point ever since the Pahalgam terror attack earlier in April. That had also extended in the sporting arena with doubts regarding Pakistan's participation across various events. Pakistan had made the cut for the World Cup after finishing runners-up in the 2024 Junior Asia Cup. HI treasurer, Sekar J Manoharan, said that they have taken steps to ensure their participation. He confirmed that all the clearances have been sought from the central government to allow Pakistan to participate in the aforementioned event. The marquee event is scheduled to be held in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. The number of participating teams has gone up from 16 to 24 teams. Each city will host 12 teams during the initial phase of the tournament before it shifts to the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium for the semifinal and the final. Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, announced that the state government has sanctioned Rs 65 crore for the conduct of the tournament. "Chennai and Madurai will be the proud hosts for this grand event, showcasing our hockey legacy and rich infrastructure. Tamil Nadu has a proven track record of hosting major hockey events, dating back to the first edition of the Men's Champions Trophy in 1996," said Udhayanidhi. "The sanctioned amount will be spent not only for the event but also for infrastructure development, including a new world-class synthetic turf in Madurai," he added. HI secretary general, Bhola Nath Singh, praised the TN government for the initiative. "Hosting the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup for the fourth time is both a privilege and a testament to India's growing reputation as a dependable and passionate host of major sporting events. This tournament is a celebration of youth, talent, and the global hockey community. The inclusion of 24 teams in this edition speaks volumes about the sport's expanding reach, and we are excited to welcome the best junior talent from every continent. We sincerely thank the Government of Tamil Nadu for its proactive support. The MoU signed today is more than just a formality-it is a shared promise to deliver an unforgettable tournament that inspires generations to come," said Bhola Nath. Manoharan lauded the decision to host the event in Madurai, providing people from the southern parts of the state with an opportunity to witness top-class hockey in their backyard. "The southern zone in Tamil Nadu is a hockey hub. Building a stadium there and hosting an event will be a huge success. The decision to build a viewing gallery along with the new pitch in Madurai will allow many people to come and watch the games and get inspired," said Manoharan, who's also the president of the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu. "Our junior team has been doing well, and we hope to see the side finish on the podium in front of the home crowd," he added.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
FIH Men's Junior World Cup 2025
Hockey India (HI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu on Thursday to host the FIH Men's Junior World Cup 2025. The ceremony also witnessed the official unveiling of the tournament logo. The Junior World Cup will be held in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10 and will feature 24 teams, up from the 16 that participated in the last edtion in 2023. India had won the title on home soil in 2016 (Lucknow) and finished fourth in the previous two occasions (2021 and 2023). Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said: 'Chennai and Madurai will be the proud hosts for this grand event, showcasing our hockey legacy and rich infrastructure. Tamil Nadu has a proven track record of hosting major hockey events, dating back to the first edition of the Men's Champions Trophy in 1996.' Allocation of funds He also announced that the state government has allotted a total of ₹65 crore for the tournament. 'The sanctioned amount will be spent not only for the event but also for infrastructure development, including a new world-class synthetic turf in Madurai,' added Udhayanidhi, who is also the Sports Minister. HI Secretary-General Bhola Nath Singh said: 'Hosting back-to-back high-profile hockey events — 2023 Asian Champions Trophy and 2025 Junior World Cup — is a testament to the excellence in hosting and the support provided by the Tamil Nadu State Government.' HI treasurer and Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu President Sekar Manoharan said they have sought permission from the central government for Pakistan's participation in the event.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
TNSTC revives bus service for farmers after deputy CM's directive
Theni: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) has started operating buses from various areas in Theni district to the 'Uzhavar Sandhai' for farmers to transport their produce free of cost. The move comes after deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin issued instructions to revive bus services, following an appeal made by farmers in Theni district on Monday. Udhayanidhi was in Theni on Monday to chair a review meeting with various departments regarding developmental works and the implementation of govt schemes. During the meeting, he urged officials to speed up all works concerning the welfare of the public and to act as a bridge between the state govt and the common people. He also distributed welfare aid worth 13.49 crore to 851 beneficiaries, including house pattas worth 2.96 crore to 578 beneficiaries, and other assistance. During the meeting, a group of farmers submitted a petition to him seeking his help in resuming govt bus service to 'Uzhavar Sandhai' for transporting their fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. The farmers pointed out that earlier govt buses were being operated for farmers, and they were able to transport their produce without charges for the load. However, these services stopped during the Covid-19 pandemic. Taking note of the issue faced by the farmers, Udhayanidhi directed TNSTC to operate buses to 'Uzhavar Sandhai'. In its inaugural run, the bus ran via Periyakulam, Jeyamangalam, Pinnathevanpatti, Sokkathevanpatti, and Annanchi to reach the 'Uzhavar Sandhai'. On Tuesday, the bus will also run from Mayiladumparai, Kadamalaikundu, and Nagalapuram to reach 'Uzhavar Sandhai'. Later, the deputy CM inspected the facilities at the govt students' hostel run by the backward classes, most backward classes and minorities welfare department, at Aathankaraipatti near Periyakulam. He interacted with the students at the hostel and instructed the staff to ensure proper maintenance and work for students' welfare and upliftment.
The Print
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
DMK wants young blood to join Dravidian ranks. It's counting on role with mouthpiece, fellowship
Chennai: As Tamil Nadu's political landscape changes, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is mounting a massive outreach to curry favour with the younger generation. The ruling DMK's youth wing, led by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, is preparing to roll out two schemes as part of its efforts to promote its ideology among the youth: the Kalaignar Student Reporters' Scheme and a fellowship for writers and researchers working on the state's Dravidian history. Sources in the DMK youth wing told ThePrint that both schemes, aimed at raising political awareness among the youth, would be rolled out in a couple of weeks. A party source said actor Vijay's entry into politics has spurred the DMK's youth wing to ramp up its efforts as the party faces competition for the youth voter base. 'Although efforts to politicise the youth and mobilise them under the DMK were on the cards for a long time, they are being stepped up after the entry of Vijay into politics,' one source told ThePrint. Show Full Article Apart from the two schemes, the DMK youth wing has also made a few organisational changes to reach out to more younger people in the coming days. Although the party has an IT wing to mobilise support on social media platforms, the DMK Youth Wing has started appointing functionaries exclusively for the youth wing's social media. The youth wing, which had one organiser and five deputy organisers for each district, has added one more deputy organiser post. 'In the newly created deputy organiser post for each district, persons active on social media and have the potential to reach out to the masses in their respective place through social media will be appointed,' one of the functionaries of the DMK youth wing told ThePrint. Political commentators ThePrint spoke to see the move as a renewed effort by the Dravidian parties to inculcate their ideology among the youth. 'There have not been any serious efforts in the state to reach out to the youth. After a long time, the DMK is taking up such an initiative, and it is a significant step, which would help them not just in the 2026 elections but build a strong base for the party in the coming years,' said Chennai-based political commentator N. Sathiya Moorthy. Earlier in 2024, the ruling party had also selected 100 orators from across the state to take its ideology to the younger generation and inform them about welfare schemes implemented by DMK governments in Tamil Nadu. Also Read: Doctor-turned-civil servant whose 'heart was always in politics', KG Arunraj set to join TVK
