Tamil Nadu May Ban School Sports From 11 AM to 3:30 PM After Student Death

CHENNAI — The Tamil Nadu government is considering a ban on school sports competitions between 11 am and 3:30 pm following the death of a Class XII student during an inter-school sporting event in Vaniyambadi, Tirupattur district.

Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna made the statement in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in Chennai during Question Hour, in response to an issue raised by AIADMK legislature party whip Agri S Krishnamurthy.

Krishnamurthy raised the matter of Mukesh, a Class XII student of a government school who died after reportedly sustaining injuries during the sports competition in Vaniyambadi. He sought compensation from the government for the bereaved family.

Calling the student's death unfortunate and a matter of serious concern, Aadhav Arjuna said the state government would frame comprehensive guidelines for sporting events conducted by the school education department.

The minister stated that he would hold discussions with the school education minister to evolve a dedicated policy for sports events organised across schools in the state.

Highlighting the risks of midday heat, Aadhav Arjuna noted that children playing under extreme temperatures could suffer serious health complications, including damage to their internal organs. He emphasised the necessity of a separate plan to safeguard student athletes.

As part of the proposed measures, the minister said the government is considering issuing a circular through the school education department to prohibit school sports competitions between 11 am and 3:30 pm, when daily temperatures are generally at their peak.