Euphoria grips Chennai as TVK chief Vijay set for historic oath-taking
Chennai (PTI): The Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai transformed into a sea of excitement on Sunday as thousands gathered to witness the historic swearing-in ceremony of TVK chief Vijay as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
The atmosphere across the city was one of hard-won victory and high expectations.
High-profile attendees, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, arrived at the Chennai airport this morning to attend the event, signalling the national significance of the political shift in the Dravidian heartland.
Inside the venue, the mood was electric. "We are very happy because of Thalapathy," a supporter said, echoing the sentiments of the crowds arriving since dawn.
TVK leader 'Bussy' Anand was among the early arrivals at the stadium, where security arrangements have been fortified to manage the massive influx of people and VVIPs.
For many, the victory is seen as a "demolition of the system".
Actress Sanam Shetty, speaking to reporters, described the moment as a breakthrough for Tamil Nadu politics.
"Even after winning the majority, even after creating a historic moment... the gruelling past week of political dynamic shifts hasn't allowed us to sleep peacefully. Today, we are going to sleep peacefully, dreaming of a better Tamil Nadu in the safe hands of our beloved Thalapathy Joseph Vijay sir," she said.
TVK’s victory is being hailed for its unconventional makeup. Supporters pointed out that the party’s list of elected MLAs includes a significant number of women. "It sets a huge example that you don't need money, power, or influence to become an MLA. All you need is good intention to serve the public," Shetty added, noting that the party enters office with a "clean slate".
TVK MLA V Pandi emphasised that the new government intends to prioritise women's welfare and youth employment.
He dismissed concerns over administrative transition, promising a "clean and pure government" free of corruption. While speculation remains rife regarding the cabinet, Pandi noted that while many are seeking ministerial roles, final decisions are yet to be announced.
The emotional weight of the day was most visible at the residence of Vijay’s father, S A Chandrasekhar.
Vijay’s mother, Shoba Chandrasekhar, expressed immense confidence in her son’s new role, stating, "Vijay will lead this well; I have full faith in him".
The cultural impact of the day was also evident as members of the film fraternity, including actor Trisha, were seen leaving their residences to attend the ceremony. The event falls on Mother's Day, a coincidence noted by several family members and supporters as a poetic start for the "true son of Tamil Nadu".
As Vijay prepares to take the oath, he becomes the first actor in the state's history to win a majority and be elected Chief Minister in his very first electoral attempt.
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Deepika Kumari leads Indian recurve archery team to dramatic World Cup gold
Shanghai (PTI): The Indian trio of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat and teenager Kumkum Mohod held their nerve in a tense shoot-off to beat home favourites China and clinch the women's recurve team gold medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 here on Sunday.
In a final marked by fluctuating fortunes, India edged past the home side 5-4 (28-26) in the shoot-off after the four-set regulation ended 4-4.
The victory was especially sweeter as India had earlier stunned record 10-time Olympic champions South Korea in the semifinals en route to their first World Cup women's team gold since 2021.
Deepika, who was also part of India's World Cup-winning teams in Guatemala City and Paris in 2021, now has seven World Cup team gold medals to her name since 2010.
It was also the Indian women recurve team's first World Cup medal in three years, its previous podium finish coming in Stage 4 in Paris in 2023 where Ankita was a member of the winning team.
India's campaign in Shanghai has thus already yielded two medals after compound archer Sahil Jadhav opened the country's account, securing a bronze on Saturday.
India also remained in contention for another podium finish later in the day with recurve archer Simranjeet Kaur set to compete in the semifinals. She is a win away from her maiden individual World Cup medal.
Travelling without a full-time national coach amid the continuing impasse over appointments, it was the vastly experienced Deepika who led from the front, constantly motivating her teammates during breaks and changeovers.
Prafull Dange, who was the designated women's recurve coach after his ward Kumkum topped the national trials, largely remained in the background as Deepika guided the side through the pressure moments against a hostile home crowd and vocal Chinese support staff.
Against a young Chinese side comprising Zhu Jingyi, Huang Yuwei and teenage archer Yu Qi, who all made their World Cup debuts only last year, India looked in control initially but nearly let the match slip after taking the opening set (54-53).
Shooting last in the Indian order, Deepika set the tone with successive 10s as India edged the first set despite Ankita (8-8) and 17-year-old Kumkum (10-8) putting up an inconsistent show.
Deepika continued her fine rhythm in the second set with another perfect 10 as India briefly held a one-point advantage (28-27) midway through the end. But China responded strongly with two 9s and a 10 in their final three arrows of the second set to post 55.
Ankita replied with a 9, but Kumkum managed only an 8, leaving Deepika needing a 10 to level the set.
The four-time Olympian, however, slipped to a 7 as India lost the set 52-55 and China drew level at 2-2.
The hosts then moved ahead in the third set. The teams were initially tied at 56, but a review upgraded China's final arrow from 8 to 9, handing them the set 57-56 and a 4-2 lead.
India appeared on the verge of defeat in the fourth set despite Deepika rediscovering her touch with two 10s. Kumkum's final arrow landed in the 7-ring as India posted a modest 54.
China required two 10s and a 9 from their last three arrows to seal the match.
Zhu and Huang delivered perfect 10s, leaving 18-year-old Yu Qi needing a 9 for victory in front of the home crowd.
But the youngster shot an 8, allowing India a dramatic escape and forcing a shoot-off.
The Indians peaked at the right moment in the decider. Ankita opened with a 9, Kumkum followed with a superb 10, and Deepika calmly delivered a 9 when only an 8 was needed to seal the title.
