The India Cements-sponsored Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists’ Association (TNSJA) annual awards and scholarships function was held here on Saturday.
Legendary Indian tennis player Vijay Amritraj, former India leg-spinner V.V. Kumar and 1978 Asian Games gold medallist (200m) R. Gnanasekaran were felicitated with the lifetime achievement awards, while table tennis ace Sharath Kamal was named the sportsperson of the year for 2018-19.
There was also recognition for R.B. Ramesh, who won the coach of the year award, having trained many of these prodigious talents in the field of chess.
Emerging talent
Among emerging talent, chess prodigy D. Gukesh and athlete P.M. Thabitha were presented the young achiever awards. Ten up-and-coming sportspersons were also given scholarships of ₹30,000 each.
Recognition: Sharath Kamal and R.B. Ramesh, who were named the sportsperson and coach of the year, respectively.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming, batting coach Mike Hussey, CEO K.S. Viswanathan were those present among many others.
Vijay Amritraj, who received his award from former hockey Olympic gold medallist V. Baskaran, was at his eloquent best as he reminisced about his illustrious career.
Knowing well that Indian Cements Ltd. vice-chairman and managing director N. Srinivasan had played and excelled in tennis as a youngster, Amritraj didn’t miss the opportunity to display his sharp sense of humour.
“I do have a question for Srinivasan which I would like you all to pass on. I’ve heard that at 16, he had a vicious forehand. I don’t quite understand why he went into the wrong sport,” Amritraj said, prompting laughter from the gathering.
Incredible contribution
“Fortunately for me, he chose another sport so that I could excel in tennis. But what he has done for cricket is nothing short of incredible. What Srinivasan has done is to be able to transform this sport from an Indian and perhaps Commonwealth sport to a world sport that now comfortably ranks among the top-five most lucrative sports in the international arena,” he added.
Proud moment: Mike Hussey, the lifetime achievement award winners V.V. Kumar, Vijay Amritraj and R. Gnanasekaran, and K.S. Viswanathan, V. Baskaran and Stephen Fleming, pose for lensmen.
Fleming said: “We (he and Hussey) go to many events and be a part of the Chennai fabric and society, but I must say that today was special to see some absolute legends and up-and-coming talent of all sports.”
The main awardees: India Cements-TNSJA lifetime achievement award 2018-19: Vijay Amritraj; V.V. Kumar; R. Gnanasekaran.
Sportsperson of the year: Sharath Kamal; Young achiever award: D. Gukesh; P.M. Thabitha; Team of the year: Tamil Nadu women’s football team; Coach of the year: R.B. Ramesh.
Scholarship winners (₹30,000 each): 1. R. Rajesh (athletics); 2. B. Mathesh (athletics); 3. B. Mariyammal (football); 4. S. Pushpa (basketball); 5. R. Vimal Khumar (cricket); 6. K.N. Ramyashri (cricket); 7. Savitha Shri (chess); 8. D. Vishwa (table tennis); 9. V.S. Varshini (badminton); 10. B. Kundana Sri (tennis).