Date:03/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/03/stories/2008030375152200.htm

Sport - Carrom

Illavazhagi gets Rs. 1 lakh

Sports Reporter

— Photo: M. Vedhan

DESERVING REWARD: World carrom champion Illavazhagi receiving the cheque from Ms. Kanimozhi (left), MP. Ms. Akhila Srinivasan, MD, Shriram Life Insurance Co. Ltd., is also seen.

Chennai: World carrom champion Illavazhagi was presented a cash award of Rs. 1 lakh by Tamil Maiyam-Chennai Sangamam. Rajya Sabha member and Chennai Sangamam co-ordinator Kanimozhi gave the cheque to Illavazhagi, at the Tamil Maiyam office on Sunday.

The World champion made an appeal for a permanent job. “I have been struggling for the last eight years and trying for a permanent government job. It is because I have the ability and won at a World event that I’m making such an appeal,” said an emotional Illavazhagi.

Kanimozhi assured the 24-year-old that help would come her way. “I will definitely represent her case. The Chief Minister has always been supportive of sporting achievers and sporting activities. We will look to create awareness on such successes,” she said.

Rev. Fr. Jegath Gaspar Raj, Founder-Managing Trustee, Tamil Maiyam, said that such gestures should help promote other sports. Akhila Srinivasan, MD, Shriram Life Insurance Co. Ltd., who was present at the function, announced a cash award of Rs. 50,000 for Illavazhagi, on behalf of the Shriram Group.