The Hindu : Sport / Football : Vittal Trophy kicks off today

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Wednesday, Jul 11, 2007
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Vittal Trophy kicks off today

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Once a popular fixture in the city football calendar, the Vittal Trophy today struggles to find the right dates and, as it happens, even a ground for its conduct.

“July 11 to 25 has been the period allotted to us,” said M. Kumaresh, late Vittal’s grandson and Chairman, Organising Committee, at a press briefing here on Monday. “Even there,” he said, “the Nehru stadium is not available on certain days and perforce we have to take breaks in the schedule.”

Because of the short notice and since the organisers were keen to put the tournament on board, only teams within the State are in the fray, most of them being the CFA senior division league sides. The teams are Indian Bank, Netaji, Madras Sporting Union, ICF, AGORC, SBI, SAI, Chennai Soccer FC, Dindigul DFA, Tiruchi DFA, Nilgiris DFA and Tiruvallur DFA. Entry has been made free.

Mr. Kumaresh said there were plans to make the tournament a sort of ‘football festival’ from next season in keeping with the requirements of the sponsors. A women’s football competition, along with one for schools, will be added for variety.

Earlier, the Chennai Football Association President, C.R. Visswanathan, touching on the paucity of grounds in the city which was drastically affecting football activities, said he had an occasion to meet the Union Minister of State for Railways, R. Velu, recently.

On a request for utilising the Railway grounds, Mr Visswanathan said the Minister has asked for details with regard to the Railway grounds that were available in the city and State.

“We are hopeful of a positive response. We are also keen that the Chennai Mayor would also approve the use of the Kannappa Thidal ground for football,” he said.

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