Chennai: The Global Silambam Academy from Chennai, representing India, has secured the overall championship title in the International Open Silambam competition held in Qatar. The competition, which took place on October 3, saw participation from eleven countries, including India, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and France.
Outstanding Performance by Indian Players
A total of 15 players from the Chennai Global Silambam Academy showcased their exceptional skills, winning 8 gold, 12 silver, and 13 bronze medals. This impressive performance earned them the top spot in the championship. The players were enthusiastically welcomed at the airport by their parents upon their return.
Challenges Faced by Players
Despite their remarkable achievement, the players faced significant challenges, particularly financial constraints. According to Sundar, a teacher at the Global Silambam Academy, the parents had to bear the expenses, including airfare, which prevented many children from underprivileged backgrounds from participating.
Call for Support
The academy had previously met with Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin after winning an international competition in Malaysia. Although he assured necessary assistance, it has not been forthcoming. The academy plans to bring this issue to his attention again and seek support to help talented players who cannot afford to participate in international competitions.