Sports events to herald 20th CPM state meet

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Twelve sports events ranging from proletarian pursuits like ‘ola medayal’ (thatching of palm leaves) to imperial ‘leftovers’ like cricket would herald the 20th CPM State conference, where the  theoretical and practical political ‘games’  would be in play from February 7 to 10 in the state capital.Thiruvananthapuram is hosting a party state conference for the first time and it is also for the first time that sports events are being held as part of the party state conference.Cash prizes ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 10,000 would be awarded to the winners. Prominent sportspersons like Shiny Wilson, Bobby Aloysius, Wilson Cherian and Padmini Thomas will attend the events which would be held  across the district from Wednesday.“Sports is the only platform where everyone can meet and the events are open to all, not just party cadres,” said M Vijayakumar, reception committee chairman and former Sports Minister.  The events would begin with ‘ola medayal’ and coconut tree climbing  at 3 p m  on January 25 at Palode Junction. The events would be inaugurated by Abdul Razzak, Kerala Sports Council Secretary and a former international volleyball star.The mini marathon for men would start from Attingal KSRTC junction and that for women would start from Kazhakkoottam and both would end at Palayam Martyr’s Column on February 4. The winner in men’s section would get Rs 10,000, Rs 5,000 for first runner up and Rs 3,000  for the second runner up while the next 10 persons would receive a consolation prize of Rs 1,500 each.In women’s  section, the winner would get Rs 5,000, Rs 3,000 for the first runner up  and the second runner up would get Rs 2,000 while the next 10 persons would get a consolation prize of Rs 1,000 each. The mini marathon would be a sports carnival with events like fencing, boxing and kalarippayattu displayed in prominent locations. ‘Maramadi’ (bull race), an agrarian event, would be held at Vemood Elaa near Madavoor in Kilimanoor while the Central Stadium would host athletics. Nineteen teams including one from the Press Club and 18 area committees of the party  would compete in the cricket tournament in Poojappura Ground. Eighteen area teams would participate in the football matches at Mariyanad Junction near  Kazhakkoottam. The winners in cricket and football matches would get a cash prize of Rs 10,000 each and  Rs 7,000 would be given to the runner up.