Sixth State Journalist Volleyball Tournament begins in Kannur

The sixth edition of the State Journalist Volleyball Tournament for the Thulasi Bhaskaran Memorial Everrolling Trophy kicked off at Jawahar Stadium on Friday (May 2), drawing participation from media personnel across Kerala.

Organised by the Kannur Press Club, the tournament is being held as part of an anti-drug awareness campaign. Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman inaugurated the event, which was presided over by Press Club president C. Sunil Kumar. Secretary Kabir Kannadiparamba welcomed the gathering.

Speakers at the event included SBI chief manager Dheeraj, Chamber of Commerce secretary Anil Kumar, Dr. Dilshad of KIMS Srichand Hospital, KUWJ Sports convener Joy Nair, KUWJ State Vice President K. Vijesh, KUWJ Malappuram District President V.P. Nisar, and KUWJ State Committee Member Ajay Kumar. Youth organisation leaders such as Sarin Sasi, Muhammad Afzal, K.V. Rajish, and others also took part.

Organising Committee convener Shameer Urpalli delivered the vote of thanks.

Due to unfavourable weather, matches were postponed to Saturday (May 3). Play will resume at 5 p.m. at the Kannur Municipal School Indoor Stadium, with Kannur Press Club facing Malappuram Press Club in the opening game.

The official final will feature teams from the Forest and Central Jail departments. Later, Kozhikode and Malappuram Press Clubs will compete, followed by a match involving youth organisation leaders.

The tournament will conclude with an exhibition match between a celebrity team, featuring film actor and former Mr. India Abu Saleem, Shiyaz Kareem, Rajeev Pillai, Mr. World Shinu Chovva, and ex-footballer C.K. Vineeth—and a police team led by District Police Chief (City) P. Nithin Raj.