Date:21/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/21/stories/2008042160952200.htm

Sport - Volleyball

John Memorial tournament

Special Correspondent

Chennai: A volleyball feast awaits enthusiasts when the Nellai Friends-Dr. Sivanthi Club puts on board from Tuesday the annual Panimalar-John Memorial all-India tournament at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium. The final is slated for April 27.

An event which is being held without a break for 36 years, it brings on view some of the top units from Kerala and Tamil Nadu this time too. Five of the six teams that figured in the National League for men, and three of the four which participated in the women’s section are in contention for the Rs. 220,000 prize money, Walter Dawaram, President, Nellai Volleyball Club, said.

At a press briefing here on Saturday, Dawaram said that it was an achievement for a private club to be in the limelight of organising a competition continuously for 36 years.

He thanked the sponsors behind the venture and praised the initiative and enthusiasm of C. Sakthi Kumar, Director, Panimalar Engineering College, the sponsor for this year’s edition. COSCO will be supplying high-quality balls used for international competitions.

On behalf of the chief sponsor, Sakthi Kumar expressed his happiness for associating Panimalar Engineering College in this venture as part of sports promotion.

He agreed to the suggestion for a cash award of Rs.1,000 for the Player of the Match from the semifinals onwards.

Chitra Pandian, Organising Secretary, said the men’s winner would be presented the Daily Thanthi Trophy and the women’s winner will receive the Kalimark Rolling Trophy. The fixtures are expected to be ready by Monday.

Participating teams: Men: KSEB (Thiruvananthapuram), BPCL (Kochi), Cochin Port Trust, Indian Overseas Bank, Indian Bank (defending champion), Southern Railway, SDAT, ICF.

Women: Western Railway, Central Railway, KSEB, Southern Railway, Dr. Sivanthi Club.