Sun Dec 08 15:13:19 UTC 2024: ## Kannur MLA’s Initiative Revives Sporting Enthusiasm Among School Children

**Kannur, December 8, 2024** – A novel initiative spearheaded by K.V. Sumesh, MLA of Azhikode constituency in Kannur, has ignited a surge in sporting participation among school children. The “Mazhavil Azhikode Niyojaga Mandalam Samagravidyabyas Padhathi” program, which culminated in the MLA Cup 2024 on December 7th, saw over 300 students from 36 teams compete in football across various age groups. The program’s success is particularly noteworthy due to the significant participation of girls (141 out of 300 participants).

The initiative, born from a DIET (District Institute of Education and Training) study highlighting the lack of sports facilities and recreational opportunities in local schools, provided much-needed equipment and a competitive platform. The MLA cited concerns about mobile phone addiction, excessive television viewing, and substance abuse as factors driving the need for such a program.

Students expressed immense gratitude, highlighting the positive impact on their lives. C. Amaya and Diya Babu, Class 9 students, emphasized the lack of encouragement and resources in their school before the program. Similarly, T. Revathy, a member of the winning team, lauded the opportunity to compete, noting the scarcity of such events despite her school’s support for sports.

The program, initially focused on football, plans to incorporate cricket, volleyball, and other sports in the coming years. The MLA also announced plans to establish training centers in each school to further enhance students’ athletic abilities. The overwhelming success of the inaugural MLA Cup 2024 signals a promising future for youth sports in the Azhikode constituency.

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