INDIAN COAST GUARD CONDUCTS VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT FORFISHING COMMUNITY

INDIAN COAST GUARD CONDUCTS VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT FORFISHING COMMUNITY

As a part of 48th Raising day of Indian Coast Guard and to enhance camaraderie between ICG and the coastal populace adjoining the fishing area of Chennai, a Volleyball Tournament for teams from Fishing community was organized by Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (East) at St. Peters Higher Secondary School, Royapuram, Chennai on 28 Jan 2024. A total of 16 teams from fishing villages in and around Chennai participated in the event. The tournament is part of continued efforts by the Indian Coast Guard to engage with the fishing community to ensure safety of life at sea. The tournament also aimed to promote the cause of marine conservation and prevent pollution at sea.

The tournament was declared open by DIG T Anil Kumar, TM from Indian Coast Guard in presence of Tamil Cine star Shri Sai Dheena. After the league matches in the girls and boys categories, the final match was held in the evening session on 28 Jan 2024. The finals were held between Team Sea Birds and Team Pattnampakkam in the boys category which was won by Team Sea Birds. In girls category the finals were played between Lady Siva Samy school, Mylapore and Chennai Girls Higher Secondary School Perambur in which Lady Siva Samy School, Mylapore emerged as winners.

The final matches and closing ceremony were graced by Shri J John Ebenezer, MLA, RK Nagar and Shri Idream R. Murthy, MLA Royapuram.

On completion of final matches, the winning and runners-up team were given trophies and medals by eminent dignitaries. In his address to the audience, Shri Idream R. Murthy, MLA Royapuram encouraged players to use this platform to build up skills and use it for future growth and development. He also highlighted the importance of sports in youth development He applauded efforts by the Indian Coast Guard to involve the fishing community. On this occasion Inspector General Donny Michael, TM, Commander Coast Guard Region East expressed gratitude to the dignitaries present for gracing the event. He further encouraged participants to purse a fit and healthy lifestyle and utilize opportunities for future growth. He also expressed the necessity of continued association between the Coast Guard and fishing community to ensure safe waters around the coastline. He highlighted that the Indian Coast Guard is committed to ensuring safety of life at sea and protecting the national interests in territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone.