Thrissur: In a nail biting finish, Kozhikode retained the gold cup for over-all winners by beating Palakkad by just two points at the 58th State School Youth Festival which concluded here on Wednesday. With Palakkad moving six higher appeals after the announcement of all results, tension prevailed at the main venue about the winners even after the valedictory function began.
But, Kozhikode over came the challenge and came out as the winners ahead of Palakkad by a narrow margin. This is the 12th consecutive win for Kozhikode. Kozhikode and Palakkad had shared the trophy in 2015.
Kozhikode scored 895 points to lead the points table at the fest. Malappuram finished third with 875 points, while Thrissur and Kannur shared the fourth slot with 865 points each. The next edition of the youth festival will be held in Alappuzha.
The final day witnessed contests in folk dance HS and HSS, mimicry HS and mono act HSS girls. The main venue Neermathalam hosted folk dance HSS which had audience in good attendance.
The popular art form of mimicry failed to enthuse the crowd on the last day of the youth festival on Wednesday though many had gathered at Vivekodayam HSS' 'Neermaruthu' stage to witness it. The judges too were disappointed. Girls dominated the event and out of seven of them participated, three got A Grade while two boys also got A grade.
Actors Chemban Vinod Jose, Vinay Fort, Mammootty, Parvathy and Sasi Kalinga were picked by the students to mimick. Ockhi and Parvathy-Mammootty controversy too came on the stage. Sound of train, rain and animals included the usual stuff. Artistes Joby and Padmanabhan Thampi were among the judges for the event.
Policemen who were in sizeable attendance throughout did a yeoman service by providing various types of drinking water including medicinal water, lemon juice and chukku kappi to all for free. According to one of the officials they used 15,000 litres of water average a day for the purpose.
