As part of the National Sports Day celebration, the Department of Physical Education at KCG College of Technology & Ys Men International organised an inspiring orientation on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball. The event, held on Aug.29 in the APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium, witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and sports enthusiasts from across the institution.
The evening began with a warm welcome address by Dr. M. Muthukannan, the Principal of KCG College of Technology.
Dr. N. Prem Kumar, the Director of Physical Education, introduced the distinguished guests for the evening. The Chief Guest, S. Srinivasan, a National Pickleball Champion, captivated the audience with his journey from discovering pickleball in the United States to becoming a champion and a key figure in promoting the sport in Chennai. His story was one of passion, dedication, and community spirit.
The Guest of Honor, Ketaki Date, a prominent pickleball influencer, shared her transition from a successful IT career to becoming an advocate and coach for pickleball. Her address emphasised the importance of embracing new challenges and the joy of learning a new sport.
The orientation moved into a practical session led by five experts from the Tamil Nadu Pickleball Association. They guided the participants through demonstrations and hands-on activities, offering valuable insights into pickleball’s techniques and strategies. This interactive session allowed attendees to experience the game firsthand, making it an engaging and educational experience.
Among the attendees were Physical Education Directors (PEDs) from various institutions. The orientation attracted around 100 students from KCG College, contributing to the event’s success.
A memorable highlight of the evening was when the Principal Dr. Muthukannan enthusiastically joined the students in playing the game. Their active participation underscored the college’s commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture.
