Expressnews
Chennai: Global Silambam Academy from Chennai has brought laurels to the nation by clinching the overall championship title at the International Open Silambam Competition held in Qatar. Representing India, the academy secured an impressive tally of 8 gold, 12 silver, and 13 bronze medals.
The competition, organized by Adhiran Silambam of Qatar on the 3rd of this month, saw participation from eleven countries including India, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and France. Only players who had competed at the national level were eligible to participate in this prestigious international event.
India was represented by players from two Silambam schools in Chennai, along with one school each from Erode, Madurai, and Theni districts. Participants competed across individual and team categories, showcasing their skills and discipline in the traditional martial art.
Among them, 15 players from Chennai’s Global Silambam Academy delivered a stellar performance, winning a total of 33 medals and securing the overall championship title for India based on cumulative points. Their return was met with enthusiastic celebrations by parents and supporters at the airport.
Speaking on the occasion, Sundar, a teacher at the academy, recalled that after winning the international competition in Malaysia last year, the team had met and congratulated Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. “He had assured us of support for our players, but unfortunately, no assistance has materialized so far,” he said.
Despite the lack of institutional support, the academy’s players once again rose to the occasion, bringing pride to the country. Sundar noted that parents had to bear all expenses, including airfare, which prevented many talented children from economically weaker backgrounds from participating.
He added that the academy plans to meet the Deputy Chief Minister again to highlight the need for financial assistance and institutional backing for future international events.
