Known for its weightlifters, Sathuvachari is now home to a centre of excellence for weightlifting. Fifty school students — 25 girls and 25 boys — selected from across the State for their performance in weightlifting, will undergo specialised training at this centre.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami inaugurated the training-cum-accommodation facility established at a cost of ₹2.45 crore via video conferencing from Chennai. Collector S.A. Raman was present at the centre.
Former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had made an announcement in the Assembly in 2015 that the special development centre for weightlifting run by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) would be upgraded as a centre of excellence for weightlifting.
S. Ramesh, district sports officer, Vellore, said the ground floor of the centre comprised an air conditioned training hall with modern equipment.
“We have two qualified coaches, one each for girls and boys. They will follow a scientific method of training in weightlifting,” he said.
SDAT will select 25 girls and 25 boys from among the best State-level weightlifters to undergo training here.
“Once selected, the students will be provided accommodation at the centre and will be enrolled in schools in Vellore. The centre, on the first floor, houses four large rooms for girls, with separate study room and first aid room, and similar facilities for boys on the second floor,” he also added.
He added that they will issue applications following which the students will be selected based on their talent.
“The aim is to improve their talent by providing high-level training. This way, their performance will be enhanced, and they can take part in competitions. We will also conduct tests every year,” he said.
