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==Cricket== | ==Cricket== | ||
[[File:IPL T20 Chennai vs Kolkata.JPG|thumb|right|An [[Indian Premier League|IPL]] match in progress at M.A. Chidambaram Cricket Stadium]] | [[File:IPL T20 Chennai vs Kolkata.JPG|thumb|right|An [[Indian Premier League|IPL]] match in progress at M.A. Chidambaram Cricket Stadium]] | ||
Cricket is the most popular sport in Chennai. | Cricket is the most popular sport in Chennai.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sporteology.com/top-10-most-popular-sports-in-india/ |title=Top 10 Most Popular Sports in India |publisher=Sporteology.com |access-date=2013-10-16 |archive-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622111511/https://sporteology.com/top-10-most-popular-sports-in-india/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[M. A. Chidambaram Stadium]] (formerly known as Madras Cricket Club ground or Chepauk Stadium) in [[Chepauk]] and popularly called the MAC, is one of the oldest cricket stadiums in India built in 1916. It seats more than 50,000 and is home to the [[Tamil Nadu Cricket Association]] and the [[Chennai Super Kings]] IPL franchise. The stadium is famous for its list of records, including the first ever test match victory that [[India]] recorded in 1951–52 when they defeated England, the second of only two [[tied test]]s between India and Australia in 1986 and Saeed Anwar's 194 in 1999 which is the third highest ODI score by a batsman.<ref>{{cite web | ||
| url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/ground/58008.html | | url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/ground/58008.html | ||
| title = MA Chidambaram stadium | | title = MA Chidambaram stadium | ||
| publisher = Cricinfo.com | | publisher = Cricinfo.com | ||
| access-date = 2007-09-13}}The [[Chemplast Cricket Ground]] in the [[IIT Madras]] campus and SSN cricket ground are other important cricket venues, which hosts first class matches. | | access-date = 2007-09-13}}The [[Chemplast Cricket Ground]] in the [[IIT Madras]] campus and SSN cricket ground are other important cricket venues, which hosts first class matches.</ref><ref>{{cite web | ||
| url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/ground/58005.html | | url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/ground/58005.html | ||
| title = IIT-Chemplast stadium | | title = IIT-Chemplast stadium | ||
| publisher = Cricinfo.com | | publisher = Cricinfo.com | ||
| access-date = 2007-09-13}} | | access-date = 2007-09-13}}</ref> Prominent cricketers from Chennai include former Test-captains [[Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan|S.&nbsp;Venkataraghavan]] and [[Kris Srikkanth|Kris&nbsp;Srikkanth]], [[Laxman Sivaramakrishnan]], [[Sadagoppan Ramesh]], [[Murali Karthik]], [[Lakshmipathy Balaji]], [[Murali Vijay]], [[Ravichandran Ashwin]], [[Dinesh Karthik]], Vijay Shankar and [[Washington Sundar]] . Cricket administrators from Chennai include former [[Board of Control for Cricket in India|BCCI]] presidents [[M. A. Chidambaram]] and [[A. C. Muthiah]]. The internationally renowned cricket bowling academy, the [[MRF Pace Foundation]] under the directorship of famous fast bowler [[Glenn McGrath]] is based in Chennai. [[Chennai Super Kings]], a franchise based in [[Chennai]] is the most successful team in the [[Indian Premier League]]. It is also home to [[Chepauk Super Gillies]], a popular [[Tamil Nadu Premier League]] franchise. | ||
==Tennis== | ==Tennis== | ||
[[File:Nungambakkam SDAT Tennis Stadium floodlit match panorama.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Association of Tennis Professionals|ATP]] [[Chennai Open]] - Centre Court at the SDAT Tennis Stadium complex in Nungambakkam]] | [[File:Nungambakkam SDAT Tennis Stadium floodlit match panorama.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Association of Tennis Professionals|ATP]] [[Chennai Open]] - Centre Court at the SDAT Tennis Stadium complex in Nungambakkam]] | ||
[[Tennis]] is another popular game in Chennai. The city hosted the country's only [[Association of Tennis Professionals|ATP]] event, the now defunct [[Chennai Open]], from 1996 to 2017 at the [[SDAT Tennis Stadium]] in [[Nungambakkam]]. The stadium seats about 6,000 spectators and has five synthetic surface courts. The tournament was awarded the title of the best new event in its second year by the [[Association of Tennis Professionals]]. Indian tennis stars such as [[Ramanathan Krishnan]], [[Vijay Amritraj]], [[Ramesh Krishnan]] and [[Mahesh Bhupathi]] hail from Chennai. | [[Tennis]] is another popular game in Chennai. The city hosted the country's only [[Association of Tennis Professionals|ATP]] event, the now defunct [[Chennai Open]], from 1996 to 2017 at the [[SDAT Tennis Stadium]] in [[Nungambakkam]]. The stadium seats about 6,000 spectators and has five synthetic surface courts. The tournament was awarded the title of the best new event in its second year by the [[Association of Tennis Professionals]]. Indian tennis stars such as [[Ramanathan Krishnan]], [[Vijay Amritraj]], [[Ramesh Krishnan]] and [[Mahesh Bhupathi]] hail from Chennai.<ref>{{cite web | ||
| url = http://www.chennaiopen.org | | url = http://www.chennaiopen.org | ||
| title = About the venue | | title = About the venue | ||
| publisher = [[International Management Group]] | | publisher = [[International Management Group]] | ||
| access-date = 2007-09-13}} | | access-date = 2007-09-13}}</ref> [[Leander Paes]] did his schooling and was trained in Chennai. One of India's top tennis training academies, the Britannia Amritraj Tennis Academy is based in Chennai. | ||
==Basketball== | ==Basketball== | ||
Chennai is home to [[Chennai Slam]], | Chennai is home to [[Chennai Slam]],<ref>[http://www.indiansportsnews.com/other-sports/basketball-news/38988-uba-pro-basketball-league-delhi-capitals-chennai-slam-set-up-final-clash UBA Pro Basketball League: Delhi Capitals, Chennai Slam set up final clash] Indian Sports News, 31 March 2016. Accessed 5 May 2017.</ref> two-time national champion of India's top professional basketball division, the [[UBA Pro Basketball League]]. | ||
==Hockey== | ==Hockey== | ||
The [[Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium]], with a seating capacity of 4000, is the venue for [[field hockey|hockey]] matches in the city. The stadium has twice hosted the Champions Trophy, featuring the top six teams in the world, in 1996 and 2005. | The [[Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium]], with a seating capacity of 4000, is the venue for [[field hockey|hockey]] matches in the city. The stadium has twice hosted the Champions Trophy, featuring the top six teams in the world, in 1996 and 2005.<ref>{{cite news | ||
| url = http://www.hindu.com/2004/10/20/stories/2004102004161800.htm | | url = http://www.hindu.com/2004/10/20/stories/2004102004161800.htm | ||
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20041030191509/http://www.hindu.com/2004/10/20/stories/2004102004161800.htm | | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20041030191509/http://www.hindu.com/2004/10/20/stories/2004102004161800.htm | ||
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| location=Chennai, India | | location=Chennai, India | ||
| work = [[The Hindu]] | | work = [[The Hindu]] | ||
| date=2004-10-20}} | | date=2004-10-20}}</ref> Chennai is home to the [[World Series Hockey]] team [[Chennai Cheetahs]] since 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/worldserieshockey/team-profile/chennaicheetahs|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126083742/http://www.indianexpress.com/worldserieshockey/team-profile/chennaicheetahs|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-26|title=Chennai Cheetahs}}</ref> It was also the home of the defunct [[Premiere Hockey League]] team [[Chennai Veerans]]. Notable international players include [[Vasudevan Baskaran]], [[Krishnamurthy Perumal]], [[M. J. Gopalan]] and [[Mohammed Riaz]]. | ||
==Squash== | ==Squash== | ||
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[[File:Formula Rolons Podium Position 2009.JPG|thumb|[[Formula Rolon]]s at [[Madras Motor Race Track|MMSC race track]]]] | [[File:Formula Rolons Podium Position 2009.JPG|thumb|[[Formula Rolon]]s at [[Madras Motor Race Track|MMSC race track]]]] | ||
[[File:Petronas, AARC 2011, MMRC, Chennai.JPG|thumb|AARC Championship racing]] | [[File:Petronas, AARC 2011, MMRC, Chennai.JPG|thumb|AARC Championship racing]] | ||
Chennai has a long-standing and thriving [[motorsport]] culture. [[Irungattukottai Race Track|Madras Motor Racing Track, Chennai]] was one of only two permanent race ways in [[India]] along with [[Kari Motor Speedway]], [[Coimbatore]] before the construction of [[Buddh International Circuit]] in 2011. | Chennai has a long-standing and thriving [[motorsport]] culture. [[Irungattukottai Race Track|Madras Motor Racing Track, Chennai]] was one of only two permanent race ways in [[India]] along with [[Kari Motor Speedway]], [[Coimbatore]] before the construction of [[Buddh International Circuit]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Memories of Madras: From Sholavaram to Irungattukottai|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/memories-of-madras-from-sholavaram-to-irungattukottai/article2528390.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=11 October 2011|location=India}}</ref> [[Madras Rubber Factory]] based out of Chennai built is first [[Formula 3]] car in 1997.<ref name="MRF Racing">{{cite web|url=http://www.mrftyres.com/mrf-sports|title = MRF Sports}}</ref> MRF in collaboration with [[Maruti Suzuki|Maruti]] established the [[Formula Maruti]] racing, a single-seater, open wheel class motorsport racing event for race cars made in India.<ref name="NDTV">{{cite web| url = http://profit.ndtv.com/stock/mrf-ltd_mrf/reports | title = MRF Limited | publisher = NDTV | date=14 February 2015}}</ref> [[MRF Challenge]] is a [[F2000 Championship Series|Formula 2000]] open-wheel motorsport formula based series organized by [[Madras Motor Sports Club]] in association with MRF. [[Narain Karthikeyan]] and [[Karun Chandhok]], the only drivers from to represent India in [[Formula 1]] were born in Chennai. [[Motor racing]] events are held at the [[Sriperumbudur]] track for cars and the [[Sholavaram]] track for motorcycles. Races of the FISSME class, 1300 CC class and 1600 CC class are held regularly in Irungattukottai. | ||
===Horse racing=== | ===Horse racing=== | ||
The [[Guindy Race Course]] for [[horse racing]] was set up in 1777. | The [[Guindy Race Course]] for [[horse racing]] was set up in 1777.<ref>{{cite web | ||
| url = http://www.iroa.com/history.htm | | url = http://www.iroa.com/history.htm | ||
| title = Racing in India | | title = Racing in India | ||
| publisher = International Racehorse Owners Association | | publisher = International Racehorse Owners Association | ||
| access-date = 2007-09-13}} | | access-date = 2007-09-13}}</ref> The city also has a pigeon-racing culture that started in the 1970s and now has 11 clubs and 400 racing enthusiasts.<ref>{{cite news | ||
| last = Frederick | | last = Frederick | ||
| first = Prince | | first = Prince | ||
| Line 62: | Line 62: | ||
| date = 14 October 2012 | | date = 14 October 2012 | ||
| url = http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/leisure/the-new-pigeonracing-capital/article3994392.ece | | url = http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/leisure/the-new-pigeonracing-capital/article3994392.ece | ||
| access-date = 14 Oct 2012}} | | access-date = 14 Oct 2012}}</ref> | ||
==Football== | ==Football== | ||
Football is a popular sport in schools. Football matches are played at [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]] in [[Chennai]]. The [[Indian Super League]] team [[Chennaiyin FC]], and former [[I-League]] winning club [[Chennai City FC]] are based in [[Chennai]]. | Football is a popular sport in schools. Football matches are played at [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]] in [[Chennai]]. The [[Indian Super League]] team [[Chennaiyin FC]], and former [[I-League]] winning club [[Chennai City FC]] are based in [[Chennai]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sudarshan|first1=N.|title=Chennaiyin Football gets Italian seasoning|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennaiyin-football-gets-italian-seasoning/article6436620.ece|access-date=30 November 2014|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=5 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://khelnow.com/football/2023-03-indian-football-chennai-city-fc-owners-transfer-sporting-license|title=Chennai City FC owners transfer sporting license|date=3 March 2023|access-date=3 March 2023|website=khelnow.com|first=M|last=Sudharshan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303065613/https://khelnow.com/football/2023-03-indian-football-chennai-city-fc-owners-transfer-sporting-license|archive-date=3 March 2023}}</ref> The city is also home of another football club [[Indian Bank Recreational Club|Indian Bank RC]],<ref>{{Cite web|first=Vivek|last=Krishnan|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/cfa-league-pravitto-brace-gives-indian-bank-title/articleshow/63945672.cms|title=CFA League: Pravitto brace gives Indian Bank title|date=27 April 2018|access-date=18 February 2021|website=[[The Times of India]]|publisher=[[Times of India]]|archive-date=16 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516082647/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/cfa-league-pravitto-brace-gives-indian-bank-title/articleshow/63945672.cms|location=Chennai, Tamil Nadu|url-status=live}}</ref> that previously competed in the [[National Football League (India)|National Football League]]. | ||
On the 5th of February 2019, it was reported in both the Swiss and Indian newspapers that Chennai City FC (CCFC) are all set to sell 35 per cent of the club's stake to Swiss club [[FC Basel]]. The Swiss Champions League regulars will also invest 20m euros in CCFC. FC Basel will also have a player exchange program, including first team players, with CCFC and help the club with technical know how. | On the 5th of February 2019, it was reported in both the Swiss and Indian newspapers that Chennai City FC (CCFC) are all set to sell 35 per cent of the club's stake to Swiss club [[FC Basel]]. The Swiss Champions League regulars will also invest 20m euros in CCFC. FC Basel will also have a player exchange program, including first team players, with CCFC and help the club with technical know how.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/federers-home-club-basel-to-invest-20m-euros-in-ccfc/articleshow/67845353.cms|title=Federer's home club Basel to invest 20m euros in CCFC|website=The Times of India|access-date=2019-02-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.watson.ch/!410416603|title=Der FCB und sein Bollywood-Farmteam – Basel steigt bei Chennai City ein|website=[[Watson (newspaper)|Watson]]|language=de|access-date=2019-02-05}}</ref> | ||
==Athletics and aquatics== | ==Athletics and aquatics== | ||
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Chennai is home to popular [[Table tennis]] players [[Sharath Kamal]] and Subramanian Raman, both gold medalists at the [[Commonwealth Games]] and winners of the [[Arjuna award#Arjuna Awardees in Table Tennis|Arjuna award]]. The Chennai [[Sepak Takraw League]] is a major attraction in Chennai for the sport of [[Sepak Takraw]], players from [[Tamil Nadu]] participate in four teams in this league. The Tamil Nadu men's team is one of the leading teams in India and many players from Tamil Nadu have represented India. | Chennai is home to popular [[Table tennis]] players [[Sharath Kamal]] and Subramanian Raman, both gold medalists at the [[Commonwealth Games]] and winners of the [[Arjuna award#Arjuna Awardees in Table Tennis|Arjuna award]]. The Chennai [[Sepak Takraw League]] is a major attraction in Chennai for the sport of [[Sepak Takraw]], players from [[Tamil Nadu]] participate in four teams in this league. The Tamil Nadu men's team is one of the leading teams in India and many players from Tamil Nadu have represented India. | ||
Chennai is home to a [[rugby union]] team called the Chennai Cheetahs and was founded in 1997 by four software professionals. It was All India Champion in 2004 and 2006 and also won the All India sevens in 2005 and the South India ten in 2007. India's only [[Arjuna award#Arjuna Awardees in Carrom|Arjuna awardee]] for [[Carrom]] and two-time world champion, [[Maria Irudayam]] and the present women's world champion Ilavazhagi are natives of Chennai. | Chennai is home to a [[rugby union]] team called the Chennai Cheetahs and was founded in 1997 by four software professionals. It was All India Champion in 2004 and 2006 and also won the All India sevens in 2005 and the South India ten in 2007. India's only [[Arjuna award#Arjuna Awardees in Carrom|Arjuna awardee]] for [[Carrom]] and two-time world champion, [[Maria Irudayam]] and the present women's world champion Ilavazhagi are natives of Chennai.<ref>[http://www.thaindian.com/news-snippet/ilavazhagi-a-chennai-girl-is-world-carrom-champion-4646.html Ilavazhagi, a Chennai girl is World carrom champion]</ref> There is also a growing enthusiasm in [[Parkour]] & Freerunning which is fueled by the "Chennai Parkour" and "Parkour Circle" groups. The [[Madras Boat Club]], founded in 1867, hosts rowing competitions. | ||
The city has two 18-hole [[golf]] courses: the [[Cosmopolitan Club (Chennai)|Cosmopolitan Club]] and the [[Gymkhana Club, Chennai|Gymkhana Club]] golf course, both of which were established in the late 19th century. Private golf courses include the proposed one at Hirco Palace Gardens at Oragadam, a western suburb of Chennai, which features an architectural canopy to protect the golfers from sun and rain and a combination of Par 3,4 and 5 holes each with its unique combination of bunker, water and vegetation hazards. The 50-acre course stretches out to over 2,500 meters (an 18-hole equivalent of 5000 meters/5500 yards). | The city has two 18-hole [[golf]] courses: the [[Cosmopolitan Club (Chennai)|Cosmopolitan Club]] and the [[Gymkhana Club, Chennai|Gymkhana Club]] golf course, both of which were established in the late 19th century. Private golf courses include the proposed one at Hirco Palace Gardens at Oragadam, a western suburb of Chennai, which features an architectural canopy to protect the golfers from sun and rain and a combination of Par 3,4 and 5 holes each with its unique combination of bunker, water and vegetation hazards. The 50-acre course stretches out to over 2,500 meters (an 18-hole equivalent of 5000 meters/5500 yards).<ref>{{cite news | ||
| title = Take a swing at Hirco Palace Gardens golf range | | title = Take a swing at Hirco Palace Gardens golf range | ||
| newspaper = The Business Line | | newspaper = The Business Line | ||
| Line 92: | Line 92: | ||
| date = 12 October 2012 | | date = 12 October 2012 | ||
| url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/real-estate/article3991567.ece | | url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/real-estate/article3991567.ece | ||
| access-date = 12 Oct 2012}} | | access-date = 12 Oct 2012}}</ref> Chennai was the venue for the first [[Commonwealth Junior Fencing Championships]] held in 2006. | ||
==Teams== | ==Teams== | ||
| Line 104: | Line 104: | ||
| [[Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium]] | | [[Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium]] | ||
| 2015 | | 2015 | ||
| | | <ref>{{cite news|date=25 December 2015|title=Smashers latch on to CSK identity|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/premier-badminton-league-chennai-smashers-latch-on-to-csk-identity/article8026304.ece|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Chennai Slam]] | | [[Chennai Slam]] | ||
| Line 111: | Line 111: | ||
| [[Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium]] | | [[Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium]] | ||
| 2015–2017 | | 2015–2017 | ||
| | | <ref name="UBA">{{cite news|url=http://www.indiansportsnews.com/other-sports/basketball-news/38988-uba-pro-basketball-league-delhi-capitals-chennai-slam-set-up-final-clash|title=UBA Pro Basketball League: Delhi Capitals, Chennai Slam set up final clash|newspaper=Indian Sports News|date=31 March 2016|access-date=5 May 2017}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Chennai Superstars | | Chennai Superstars | ||
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| [[M.A. Chidambaram Stadium]] | | [[M.A. Chidambaram Stadium]] | ||
| 2008–present | | 2008–present | ||
| | | <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-announces-franchise-owners-333193|title=Big business and Bollywood grab stakes in IPL|date=24 January 2008|access-date=6 June 2013|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418005531/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-announces-franchise-owners-333193|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Chepauk Super Gillies]] | | [[Chepauk Super Gillies]] | ||
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| [[M.A. Chidambaram Stadium]] | | [[M.A. Chidambaram Stadium]] | ||
| 2016–present | | 2016–present | ||
| | | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/chepauk-super-gillies-1047327|title=Chepauk Super Gillies|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Chennai Strikers | | Chennai Strikers | ||
| Line 139: | Line 139: | ||
| &ndash; | | &ndash; | ||
| 2017 | | 2017 | ||
| | | <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/chennai-strikers-hyderabad-hustlers-win-in-indian-cue-masters-league/story-PWkkQ1ZPZOkRO6zlFzByqJ.html|title=Chennai Strikers, Hyderabad Hustlers win in Indian Cue Masters League|date=20 August 2017|work=[[The Hindustan Times]]|access-date=1 June 2018}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Chennai Veerans]] | | [[Chennai Veerans]] | ||
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| [[Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium]] | | [[Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium]] | ||
| 2024 | | 2024 | ||
| | | <ref>{{cite news|url=https://hockeyindialeague.com/teams/tamil-nadu-dragons/male|title=Tamil Nadu Dragons|work=[[Hockey India League]]|access-date=4 January 2024}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Chennai City F.C.]] | | [[Chennai City F.C.]] | ||
| Line 181: | Line 181: | ||
| [[Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium]] | | [[Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium]] | ||
| 2017–present | | 2017–present | ||
| | | <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.prokabaddi.com/teams/tamil-thalaivas-profile-29/players|title=Tamil Thalaivas|access-date=8 October 2023|work=[[Pro Kabaddi]]}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[V Chennai Warriors]] | | [[V Chennai Warriors]] | ||
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| &ndash; | | &ndash; | ||
| 2025-present | | 2025-present | ||
| | | <ref>{{cite news|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/rugby/rugby-7s-premier-league-franchises-players-dates-venue-live-streaming-info-all-you-need-to-know/article69413046.ece|title=Rugby 7s franchise-based league set to launch in Mumbai in June|work=[[Sportstar]]|date=7 October 2024|access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref> | ||
|} | |} | ||
Latest revision as of 10:04, 22 March 2026
Cricket is amongst the popular sports in Chennai. The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium is one of the oldest cricket stadiums in India and has been the venue for many notable milestones in the history of Indian cricket. Other sports played include tennis, field hockey, football, motor racing and squash. Chennai has a rich legacy in chess and has produced many well-known chess players, the most notable of them being Viswanathan Anand.
Cricket[edit | edit source]
Cricket is the most popular sport in Chennai.[1] The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (formerly known as Madras Cricket Club ground or Chepauk Stadium) in Chepauk and popularly called the MAC, is one of the oldest cricket stadiums in India built in 1916. It seats more than 50,000 and is home to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and the Chennai Super Kings IPL franchise. The stadium is famous for its list of records, including the first ever test match victory that India recorded in 1951–52 when they defeated England, the second of only two tied tests between India and Australia in 1986 and Saeed Anwar's 194 in 1999 which is the third highest ODI score by a batsman.[2][3] Prominent cricketers from Chennai include former Test-captains S. Venkataraghavan and Kris Srikkanth, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, Sadagoppan Ramesh, Murali Karthik, Lakshmipathy Balaji, Murali Vijay, Ravichandran Ashwin, Dinesh Karthik, Vijay Shankar and Washington Sundar . Cricket administrators from Chennai include former BCCI presidents M. A. Chidambaram and A. C. Muthiah. The internationally renowned cricket bowling academy, the MRF Pace Foundation under the directorship of famous fast bowler Glenn McGrath is based in Chennai. Chennai Super Kings, a franchise based in Chennai is the most successful team in the Indian Premier League. It is also home to Chepauk Super Gillies, a popular Tamil Nadu Premier League franchise.
Tennis[edit | edit source]
Tennis is another popular game in Chennai. The city hosted the country's only ATP event, the now defunct Chennai Open, from 1996 to 2017 at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Nungambakkam. The stadium seats about 6,000 spectators and has five synthetic surface courts. The tournament was awarded the title of the best new event in its second year by the Association of Tennis Professionals. Indian tennis stars such as Ramanathan Krishnan, Vijay Amritraj, Ramesh Krishnan and Mahesh Bhupathi hail from Chennai.[4] Leander Paes did his schooling and was trained in Chennai. One of India's top tennis training academies, the Britannia Amritraj Tennis Academy is based in Chennai.
Basketball[edit | edit source]
Chennai is home to Chennai Slam,[5] two-time national champion of India's top professional basketball division, the UBA Pro Basketball League.
Hockey[edit | edit source]
The Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, with a seating capacity of 4000, is the venue for hockey matches in the city. The stadium has twice hosted the Champions Trophy, featuring the top six teams in the world, in 1996 and 2005.[6] Chennai is home to the World Series Hockey team Chennai Cheetahs since 2011.[7] It was also the home of the defunct Premiere Hockey League team Chennai Veerans. Notable international players include Vasudevan Baskaran, Krishnamurthy Perumal, M. J. Gopalan and Mohammed Riaz.
Squash[edit | edit source]
The Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) is headquartered in Chennai. It has more than 20 State Associations and affiliated units. Dipika Pallikal, India's top ranked women's squash player hails from Chennai.
Racing[edit | edit source]
Motorsports[edit | edit source]
Chennai has a long-standing and thriving motorsport culture. Madras Motor Racing Track, Chennai was one of only two permanent race ways in India along with Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore before the construction of Buddh International Circuit in 2011.[8] Madras Rubber Factory based out of Chennai built is first Formula 3 car in 1997.[9] MRF in collaboration with Maruti established the Formula Maruti racing, a single-seater, open wheel class motorsport racing event for race cars made in India.[10] MRF Challenge is a Formula 2000 open-wheel motorsport formula based series organized by Madras Motor Sports Club in association with MRF. Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok, the only drivers from to represent India in Formula 1 were born in Chennai. Motor racing events are held at the Sriperumbudur track for cars and the Sholavaram track for motorcycles. Races of the FISSME class, 1300 CC class and 1600 CC class are held regularly in Irungattukottai.
Horse racing[edit | edit source]
The Guindy Race Course for horse racing was set up in 1777.[11] The city also has a pigeon-racing culture that started in the 1970s and now has 11 clubs and 400 racing enthusiasts.[12]
Football[edit | edit source]
Football is a popular sport in schools. Football matches are played at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The Indian Super League team Chennaiyin FC, and former I-League winning club Chennai City FC are based in Chennai.[13][14] The city is also home of another football club Indian Bank RC,[15] that previously competed in the National Football League.
On the 5th of February 2019, it was reported in both the Swiss and Indian newspapers that Chennai City FC (CCFC) are all set to sell 35 per cent of the club's stake to Swiss club FC Basel. The Swiss Champions League regulars will also invest 20m euros in CCFC. FC Basel will also have a player exchange program, including first team players, with CCFC and help the club with technical know how.[16][17]
Athletics and aquatics[edit | edit source]
Athletic competitions are held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which seats 40,000. The complex also houses a multipurpose indoor stadium with a seating capacity of 8,000 which hosts various competitions including volleyball, basketball and table tennis. The Velachery Aquatic Complex seats 4,000 and hosts various water sports. Chennai was the venue of the SAF Games in 1995.
Chess[edit | edit source]
Chess is a popular board game in the city. It has been called the "Mecca of Chess" in India, producing more grandmasters than any other city in India. Most popularly, Viswanathan Anand, the five-time world chess champion, is from Chennai. It is the hometown of prominent coaches Ramesh RB, five-time olympiad team captain, and Srinath Narayanan, three-time olympiad team captain (twice in online olympiad). Manuel Aaron, India's first International Master, and S. Vijayalakshmi, India's first Woman Grandmaster (WGM), both hail from Chennai. It is home to super-GMs Krishnan Sasikiran, Adhiban Baskaran, and young talents R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh.
Other national champions from Chennai are Aravindh Chithambaram, Karthikeyan Murali, S. P. Sethuraman, and G. Akash in the open section, and Aarthie Ramaswamy in the women's section.
Other[edit | edit source]
Chennai is home to popular Table tennis players Sharath Kamal and Subramanian Raman, both gold medalists at the Commonwealth Games and winners of the Arjuna award. The Chennai Sepak Takraw League is a major attraction in Chennai for the sport of Sepak Takraw, players from Tamil Nadu participate in four teams in this league. The Tamil Nadu men's team is one of the leading teams in India and many players from Tamil Nadu have represented India.
Chennai is home to a rugby union team called the Chennai Cheetahs and was founded in 1997 by four software professionals. It was All India Champion in 2004 and 2006 and also won the All India sevens in 2005 and the South India ten in 2007. India's only Arjuna awardee for Carrom and two-time world champion, Maria Irudayam and the present women's world champion Ilavazhagi are natives of Chennai.[18] There is also a growing enthusiasm in Parkour & Freerunning which is fueled by the "Chennai Parkour" and "Parkour Circle" groups. The Madras Boat Club, founded in 1867, hosts rowing competitions.
The city has two 18-hole golf courses: the Cosmopolitan Club and the Gymkhana Club golf course, both of which were established in the late 19th century. Private golf courses include the proposed one at Hirco Palace Gardens at Oragadam, a western suburb of Chennai, which features an architectural canopy to protect the golfers from sun and rain and a combination of Par 3,4 and 5 holes each with its unique combination of bunker, water and vegetation hazards. The 50-acre course stretches out to over 2,500 meters (an 18-hole equivalent of 5000 meters/5500 yards).[19] Chennai was the venue for the first Commonwealth Junior Fencing Championships held in 2006.
Teams[edit | edit source]
Notes[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Top 10 Most Popular Sports in India". Sporteology.com. Archived from the original on 22 June 2018. Retrieved 16 October 2013.
- ↑ "MA Chidambaram stadium". Cricinfo.com. Retrieved 13 September 2007.The Chemplast Cricket Ground in the IIT Madras campus and SSN cricket ground are other important cricket venues, which hosts first class matches.
- ↑ "IIT-Chemplast stadium". Cricinfo.com. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
- ↑ "About the venue". International Management Group. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
- ↑ UBA Pro Basketball League: Delhi Capitals, Chennai Slam set up final clash Indian Sports News, 31 March 2016. Accessed 5 May 2017.
- ↑ "Radhakrishnan stadium to have new turf". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 20 October 2004. Archived from the original on 30 October 2004. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
- ↑ "Chennai Cheetahs".
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Memories of Madras: From Sholavaram to Irungattukottai". The Hindu. India. 11 October 2011.
- ↑ "MRF Sports".
- ↑ "MRF Limited". NDTV. 14 February 2015.
- ↑ "Racing in India". International Racehorse Owners Association. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
- ↑ Frederick, Prince (14 October 2012). "The new pigeon-racing capital". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 14 October 2012.
- ↑ Sudarshan, N. (5 October 2014). "Chennaiyin Football gets Italian seasoning". The Hindu. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
- ↑ Sudharshan, M (3 March 2023). "Chennai City FC owners transfer sporting license". khelnow.com. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
- ↑ Krishnan, Vivek (27 April 2018). "CFA League: Pravitto brace gives Indian Bank title". The Times of India. Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Times of India. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
- ↑ "Federer's home club Basel to invest 20m euros in CCFC". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
- ↑ "Der FCB und sein Bollywood-Farmteam – Basel steigt bei Chennai City ein". Watson (in Deutsch). Retrieved 5 February 2019.
- ↑ Ilavazhagi, a Chennai girl is World carrom champion
- ↑ "Take a swing at Hirco Palace Gardens golf range". The Business Line. Chennai: The Hindu. 12 October 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2012.
- ↑ "Smashers latch on to CSK identity". The Hindu. 25 December 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ↑ "UBA Pro Basketball League: Delhi Capitals, Chennai Slam set up final clash". Indian Sports News. 31 March 2016. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
- ↑ "Big business and Bollywood grab stakes in IPL". ESPNcricinfo. 24 January 2008. Archived from the original on 18 April 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
- ↑ "Chepauk Super Gillies". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ↑ "Chennai Strikers, Hyderabad Hustlers win in Indian Cue Masters League". The Hindustan Times. 20 August 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2018.
- ↑ "Tamil Nadu Dragons". Hockey India League. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
- ↑ "Tamil Thalaivas". Pro Kabaddi. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
- ↑ "Rugby 7s franchise-based league set to launch in Mumbai in June". Sportstar. 7 October 2024. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
External links[edit | edit source]
- Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority
- Chennai Sepak Takraw League official website
- Chennai Parkour official website
