The divisional matches of the 16th Isha Gramotsavam unfolded today in a spectacular display of skill and rural sporting spirit at Dr. M.G.R. Stadium in Madurai. Following a series of thrilling cluster-level matches that set the stage for fierce competition, the winning and runner-up teams from the clusters faced off in an intense men's volleyball contest. The divisional level matches were also held across six different locations in the state, including Madurai.
The highly competitive divisional round, which kept the audience on the edge of their seats, was won by Theni B.K.A. Volleyball Club, who defeated the Madurai Kattalai SSPM team. Police Inspector John Britto and Assistant Police Inspector Vinoth Kumar, presented the awards to the winning and runner-up teams.
Raising the stakes in the matches, this year Isha Gramotsavam participants are competing for a total prize pool of ₹52 lakh. Today’s event brought together 18 formidable teams from seven surrounding districts in Madurai, delivering an electrifying performance that captivated the audience. The winning team will now proceed to the finals at the iconic Adiyogi at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore on December 28, 2024.
Launched by Sadhguru in 2004, Isha Gramotsavam is a unique social initiative aimed at bringing the spirit of sports and playfulness into the lives of rural people. Unique in its format, Isha Gramotsavam is not open for professionals, setting the stage for everyday rural folks- from daily wage earners, fishermen, and housewives among others, to break away from their daily grind and come enjoy the celebratory and unifying power of sports.
Thousands of people, along with their families, attended and thoroughly enjoyed the festive events. Alongside the sports matches, a traditional rural folk art performance, known as "Parai Attam," enthralled the audience. Additionally, recreational games for the audience and free yoga classes were organised for all.
The sporting extravaganza spans over two months, covering Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. More than 43,000 players, including 10,000 rural women, are competing in Volleyball and Throwball, making this one of the most inclusive grassroots sports events in the region.