In a boost to practitioners of traditional games in Tamil Nadu, which are on the wane in the face of modern sports, the state government today announced that these games would be developed and that Rs 10 lakh had been allocated for the purpose.
Stating this in the assembly, Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare S Sundararaj said that traditional games of Tamil Nadu, including Silambam (stick fencing), Uriyadi (breaking pot on tall pole with stick), Dayakattai (Dice), Aadupuliyattam (game of chasing), Pallankuzhi (hopping on one leg) and Pambaram (Top) are on the wane in the face of new age sports.
"To develop these games, a carnival of such traditional games will be held in four chosen districts," he said, adding Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has ordered allocation of Rs 10 lakh for the purpose.
The amount would be used to develop and document the ancient games,he said while making a slew of new announcements for his department for the current fiscal.
The CM also ordered procurement of two inflatable boats at a cost of Rs 40 lakhs to help water sports enthusiasts participate in national and international tournaments.
She also ordered procurement of multimedia software and equipment for the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University at a cost of Rs 48 lakh which would help train sportspersons.
