Jayalalitha sanctions Rs 2 cr for Chennai Open

Chennai: Chief minister J. Jayalalithaa on Satu­rday sanctioned a sum of Rs 2 crore as the state government’s contribution for conducting the popular tennis tournament, Che­nnai Open, that starts here on December 30.

A secretariat release said that Jayalalithaa had hiked the assistance from Rs1 crore to Rs 2 crore last year following representation from the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association, besides allocating Rs 4.5 crore towards upgrading facilities to international standards at the Nuga­mbakkam STAD stadium where the annual sporting event is held.

The government being the lead platinum sponsor for the event, has app­roved the amount for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, the release added. Chen­nai Open will be held from December 30 to January 5, 2014.