Latest news with #Muthusamy
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
India spikers plead for more games after silver show in CAVA Men's Nations League
CHENNAI: Despite having their backs to the wall, the India men's volleyball team showed glimpses of what they can achieve with a little bit of support. Playing in their first tournament since the Asian Games two years ago, India earned the silver medal at the CAVA Nations League in Fergana, Uzbekistan. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While India lost twice to a second-string Iran (world No. 15) side, including the 0-3 (17-25, 20-25, 19-25) defeat in the final on Wednesday, they had four successive victories sandwiched between the results. After giving a good account of themselves, considering the difficult circumstances, the players pleaded for more exposure to scale greater heights. To lend perspective, India jumped more than 100 places during the event to reach No. 51 in the rankings. 'We had only a three-week camp before the tournament and did not play any practice matches. We still managed to reach the final. It shows that we can perform at this level if we have more game time under our belt,' setter A Muthusamy told TOI from Fergana. Opposite hitter Jerome Vinith echoed Muthusamy's sentiments. 'We need to have camps for a longer duration; we need to be together for about three months. We must also play more matches against international teams; match practice is pretty important,' said Vinith, one of the more experienced members in the squad. Vinith and Muthusamy stressed that the players and staff, led by head coach Dragan Mihailovic, were determined to prove a point at the Nations League. 'We were highly motivated coming into the tournament. Dragan and his staff worked day and night to ensure that we were well-prepared to take on any opponent. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They have helped us adapt to modern volleyball with their inputs,' said the 32-year-old Vinith. 'We were a bit rusty in our first match against Iran (Pool A clash), but the players gelled better on court as the tournament progressed. The good thing for us was that different players stood up at different times; it was a total team effort,' Muthusamy added. According to Vinith, the 'right' make-up of the squad helped India display their potential. 'There was a good mix of youth and experience. While the youngsters brought the energy to the court, players like me tried to pass on our knowledge to them. We have seen instances when teams packed with youngsters or experienced players have struggled,' Vinith said.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Supreme Court correctly assessed the TASMAC case and delivered the right verdict: Excise Minister Muthusamy
Minister for Excise, Prohibition and Housing S. Muthusamy on Thursday said the Supreme Court had correctly assessed the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) case and delivered the right verdict. Addressing journalists in Erode, he said the recent 'raids' by Directorate of Enforcement (ED) officials appeared to be conducted in a manner that could potentially disrupt the TASMAC operations, which employs around 24,000 people. 'The manner in which the ED officials conducted the raids is regrettable. Proper procedures must be followed during any inquiry,' he said. The Minister also pointed out that the State government has registered 41 First Information Reports (FIRs) against liquor outlet operators over allegations of corruption. 'This shows that the department is vigilant. A mistake by an individual should not result in the entire department being blamed,' he added. Mr. Muthusamy said Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has been clear that no wrongdoing should occur in any department and that he reiterates this message in every review meeting. Reacting to the Supreme Court's emphasis on State autonomy, the Minister said, 'It means the State government and the Chief Minister are already taking appropriate steps. It is a rightful and constitutionally sound judgment, upholding the Constitution as the highest authority.' He asserted there have been no irregularities in the TASMAC bar tendering process, and added that if any irregularities are found, strict action will be taken. Commenting on law and order, the Minister said the situation in the State is well maintained. He addressed calls for a CBI inquiry into the recent murder of an elderly couple in Sivagiri, Erode district, noting, 'Some demanded a CBI inquiry, but our police acted swiftly and arrested the accused.' The Minister also inaugurated works to desilt 20 km of the Kalingarayan canal's baby canal at a total cost of ₹28.25 lakh. Collector Raja Gopal Sunkara, MP K.E. Prakash, MLA V.C. Chandhirakumar, and other officials were present.
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Really special to be part of the Proteas journey to Lord's, says Senuran Muthusamy
Senuran Muthusamy Senuran Muthusamy will hope to contribute with bat and ball for the Proteas against Australia. Photo: AFP Image: AFP SPIN-bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy is one of the 15 players who have made the Proteas squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's next month. South Africa will face Australia for the first time in the Test end cycle, and will be up against a side that are currently ranked No 1 in the world in the ICC Test rankings. In an exclusive interview with Independent Media, Muthusamy reiterated their excitement about testing themselves against the world's best team and players. 'We always want to test ourselves against some of the best teams and players in the world. It's going to be an awesome test for each and every one of us,' Muthusamy said. 'To be part of the Test squad is incredible, and to be part of the journey to Lord's is really special. I'm grateful for that.' Though Muthusamy has played only four Test matches since debuting in India almost six years ago, he has been in and around the Proteas side throughout this period. In South Africa, it is rare to find two spinners in one playing XI, and because of that, Muthusamy has understandably played very little Test cricket thus far. However, coach Shukri Conrad keeps selecting the 31-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder, which highlights that the mentor sees a future for him in the five-day arena. 'I've been in the Proteas setup for a long time. I debuted in 2019,' said Muthusamy. 'It's an incredible feeling to be a part of the squad for the World Test Championship Final, and to be a part of the squad since getting back into the mix again in Bangladesh last year in October.' Though the Proteas have received very little credit from the rest of the world for making the World Test Championship final and finishing on top of the standings, Muthusamy emphasised that the side were not phased at all. 'Due to the scheduling, we haven't had an opportunity to play against Australia and England, which we will welcome when that opportunity presents itself,' said Muthusamy. 'We just try to deal with what's in front of us, and we just take it one game at a time. 'I think that's the message (in the team). It's a really good group of guys, and I think we've played some really good cricket along the way.' Muthusamy is one of the few players who have not been active since the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, as he is not contracted in county cricket or the Indian Premier League. However, the 31-year-old has had time to fine-tune certain aspects of his game over the last couple of weeks. 'A lot of the guys have kept playing cricket throughout this period. I've had a bit of time to just get into a conditioning block, and then I've just worked on a few minor details in my game, which has been nice,' he said. 'I've been at work, I've been training and upskilling. It's been a good time for me. I've really enjoyed this process.'
New Indian Express
18-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
ED is harassing state government employees: Tamil Nadu minister Muthusamy
CHENNAI: Prohibition and Excise Minister S Muthusamy on Saturday strongly criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED), accusing it of harassing government employees by carrying out politically motivated raids. In a statement, he said, 'Last month, ED officials conducted searches at Tasmac headquarters, claiming that it was based on an FIR filed during the previous AIADMK government. However, they did not find any solid evidence. Despite this, they alleged a scam of Rs 1,000 crore.' The agency is continuing to trouble government employees without proof, Muthusamy added. 'Even after not finding anything, the ED continued raids on the house of Tasmac managing director and a few other places. Again, nothing was seized. However, they continue to harass the employees,' Muthusamy alleged. The agency is ignoring the Supreme Court's guidelines which is highly condemnable, Muthusamy said. Legal action will be taken against the ED's activities and the state government would always stand by its employees, he added.
Hans India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
TN Excise Minister slams ED over TASMAC probe, alleges political vendetta
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Excise Minister S. Muthusamy on Saturday accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of harassing state government officials under the pretext of investigating an alleged scam in the state-run liquor retailer TASMAC, and violating procedures laid down by the Supreme Court. In a strongly worded statement, Muthusamy, who also holds the Housing and Prohibition portfolios, condemned what he termed as 'politically motivated actions' by the ED and assured full legal support to the officials under scrutiny. He reiterated the government's commitment to stand by its employees and take all necessary legal steps against what he described as 'vendetta-driven actions.' The Minister alleged that the ED's raids on TASMAC's headquarters and other locations were an attempt to falsely portray irregularities during the DMK regime. However, he pointed out that the ED's probe was based on cases originally filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) during the previous AIADMK government. 'Despite extensive searches, the ED has found no evidence to substantiate claims of irregularities in TASMAC. Yet, the agency released a press note based on imagination, alleging a Rs 1,000 crore scam,' Muthusamy said. He added that the ED, in its attempt to justify these allegations, has continued to target and distress state officials. 'As part of this, on May 16, the ED conducted searches at the residence of TASMAC Managing Director S. Visakan and others. These raids, too, yielded no evidence, yet the harassment continues,' the minister said. He further alleged that the agency was coercing officials, though he did not provide details. Referring to earlier searches at TASMAC's headquarters in March and again on May 16 at various other premises, Muthusamy said the ED's actions are in violation of the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in multiple cases related to the agency's functioning. 'I strongly condemn, on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government, the ED's politically motivated actions,' Muthusamy said, reaffirming the state's resolve to protect its officials through appropriate legal recourse.
