A two-day state-level men’s basketball tournament for the Jayanth Kumar Memorial Trophy was held at Arul Anandar College, Karumathur, in Usilampatti Taluk of Madurai district.
The first day’s matches were inaugurated by Chellampatti South Union DMK Secretary Muthuraman and Durai Pandi, proprietor of VPM Fireworks Factory, Vadakkampatti.
Teams from the following institutions participated in the tournament:
Loyola College, Hindu Nadar Sangam College, Sourashtra College, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Sri Kaliswari College, Government Law College, GTN Arts College, St. Joseph’s College, Sri Sevugam Annamalai College, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Mary Matha College, Alagappa University, JPR University
Host team: Arul Anandar College, Karumathur
At the end of the league rounds, four teams qualified for the knockout stage.
On the second day, the matches were inaugurated by former Physical Education students. In the third-place playoff, Jeppiaar University, Chennai, defeated GTN College, Dindigul, securing third place, while GTN College finished fourth.
In the final match for the championship, Loyola College, Chennai, faced St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli. From the very beginning, Loyola College dominated the game, converting scoring opportunities effectively and maintaining a steady lead on the scoreboard. Ultimately, Loyola College defeated St. Joseph’s College to clinch the championship title.
The prize distribution ceremony followed. Former student Ganesh Prabhu delivered the welcome address. The Chief Guest, Usilampatti MLA Ayyappan, distributed certificates and trophies to the winning teams.
The event was attended by College Rector Fr. Basil Xavier, Secretary Anthonysamy, Principal Anbarasu, former Karumathur Panchayat President Jayaraman, alumnus Chakravarthy, Fr. Pushparaj, Jayanth Kumar Foundation Founder Antoniraj, Sports Coordinator Fr. Jayabaskaran, Head of the Physical Education Department Muthu, and many others.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Physical Education Director Vanitha.