City to host Amma international kabaddi tournament

MADURAI: The international kabaddi championship scheduled to kick off in Madurai from Feburary 24, has been named Amma world cup kabaddi championship in honour of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa. She had earlier sanctioned a grant of Rs 3 crore for the event.
Tamil Nadu amateur kabaddi association president M Raja said, "Amma is regarded as a noble name in Madurai city.We planned to name the event after our ex-CM since she has contributed to a large extent for the kabaddi matches."
More than 495 players will be participating in the international kabaddi championship to be held in Madurai from February 24 to March 1.
It is for the first time that the state is hosting the event which will feature matches in men's and women's categories. Around 20 countries, including the US, Italy, Afghanistan, Nepal, Canada and Malaysia, will participate in the championship.
The event is organized by the Tamil Nadu amateur kabaddi association and the sports development authority of Tamil Nadu.
In accordance with the instructions provided by the technical committee of kabaddi Indian federation in Jaipur, it has been decided to construct an artificial indoor stadium at Tamukkam grounds.
"Since Tamukkan ground is centrally located in Madurai city, the event will be held at the grounds after the construction of an artificial indoor stadium. Parking facilities and toilet facilities will be provided for the spectators, " added Raja.
The event will be conducted for six days and the stadium's capacity will be such that it would accommodate around 10,000 people.
Moreover floodlights will be erected at the four corners of the stadium to ensure proper lighting for the day and night matches to be held at the stadium. The matches will be conducted from 4pm to 10pm.