First transgender sports meet in Tamil Nadu

The event, being organised by a group of 10 NGOs under the leadership of Khaalid Ahamed, Associate Head, Caring for Society, and Sharan Kamalsekar, a volunteer with Makkal Parvai--will be held at Rajarathinam Stadium, Egmore or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Periamet, on July 15 and 16.

Around 700 transgenders are expected to participate in 10 disciplines - chess, carrom, sprint, relay, long jump, high jump, volleyball, shot-put, discus throw and badminton. Games like musical chair will be organised for the coaches, parents and caretakers as well. 

All the events, except chess and carrom, will be held in three groups based on age. Group 1 will have athletes in the 15 to 20 age group. While athletes in the 20 to 25 age group will compete in Group 2, those above 25 years will compete in Group 3. Chess and Carrom will see participants representing their respective districts competing against each other. 

Speaking to DTNext about the event, Khaalid said, “We are not doing this for recognition. We are hosting this event for the transgenders and the spotlight will be on them. It will be a team effort. We are expecting at least 25 participants from each district.”

The participants will be provided with free accommodation and food at the stadium. 

When it comes to refreshments, Khaalid said, “We will not provide any factory manufactured energy drinks or juices. The participants will be given homemade lemonade, buttermilk and water. Since all these are natural, they won’t have to worry about side-effects.”