The 2024 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) Trophy came to an electrifying end on Thursday, with Chennai and Chengalpattu emerging as the top medal winners. The final day of the Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Sports Arena saw the two districts etch their names in the record books with a gold medal each.
Chennai, the overall champion, dominated the Games with an impressive haul of 105 gold, 80 silver, and 69 bronze medals. Their dominance was further cemented by N. Indhumathi’s gold-winning performance in the weightlifting college girls 76kg category. Indhumathi lifted a total of 170kg, defeating Vellore’s P. Bhuvaneshwari by a mere one kilogram.
Chengalpattu, securing the second spot on the medal tally, also had reason to celebrate. R Priya’s victory in the college girls-above-76kg section, with a total lift of 158kg, ensured their gold medal win. Their superior gold medal count of 31, along with 26 silver and 36 bronze, secured their second-place finish.
Coimbatore, the only other district to cross the 100-medal mark, finished in third place with 23 gold, 40 silver, and 39 bronze medals.
The 2024 CM Trophy witnessed a surge in participation, exceeding 33,000 athletes from 38 districts, making it one of the largest grassroots sporting initiatives in the country. The Games showcased the talent of school, college, and public athletes, government employees, and differently-abled individuals across 36 sports disciplines.
This year, the Games introduced new disciplines like track cycling, para shot put, handball, chess, fencing, judo, gymnastics, and squash, adding to the excitement. Esports, a demo sport, attracted over 5000 competitors, signaling the growing popularity of this emerging sport.
The Games were a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship and dedication, with athletes from all walks of life showcasing their skills and determination. The inclusion of Cerebral Palsy athletes, Olympians, and Paralympians alongside upcoming stars provided a platform for the future generation of athletes to learn and grow.
The 2024 Tamil Nadu CM Trophy will be remembered for its unprecedented participation, diverse sporting disciplines, and the exceptional talent showcased on the field. It stands as a testament to the growing strength of sports in Tamil Nadu and its dedication to nurturing the future of Indian athletes.