Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 22 : The newly renovated football pitch at the JLNS B Ground was officially inaugurated today by the Tamil Nadu Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development Udhayanidhi Stalin.
This enhancement of the sports facility is a collaborative effort between the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and Chennaiyin FC (CFC), a release said.
During the inauguration ceremony, Vita Dani, co-owner of Chennaiyin FC, presented the Minister with a special memento - Chennaiyin FC's first home jersey for the 2024-25 season. Following the official proceedings, the Minister met with Chennaiyin FC's head coach, Owen Coyle, and interacted with the players. He also explored the revamped pitch and inaugurated the pitch by scoring a penalty shot at goal, the release said.
Chennaiyin FC is currently gearing up for the upcoming Indian Super League 2024-25 season which starts from September 13, 2024.
Earlier in the month, CFC completed the signing of 26-year-old defender Vignesh Dakshinamurthy on a four-year deal.
Primarily a left-back, Vignesh has also played in midfield and adds versatility and experience to the Chennaiyin backline. He becomes the club's 12th signing of the summer, joining the likes of Mandar Rao Desai and PC Laldinpuia.
Head coach Owen Coyle welcomed Vignesh into the club.
"Delighted to sign another talented young Indian player who has already shown fantastic ability in the ISL, we faced a lot of competition to sign him from other clubs. Vignesh is a great addition to our squad and we look forward to working with him," he said, according to the release.
Vignesh began his career with Bengaluru's Ozone FC, for whom he played for six years, three in the academy and three with the first team. He made his senior debut at 17 and was one of Ozone's star performers en route to their 2018 I-League 2 Final Round run.
That same year, Vignesh stepped up to the Indian Super League with Mumbai City FC and went on to represent the Islanders more than 60 times combined across competitions, including four AFC Champions League appearances.
Explosive going forward and efficient tracking back, Vignesh made the left back berth his own while at Mumbai City and was part of the team that won two ISL Shields (2021 and 2023) and one ISL Cup (2021).
Ecstatic upon joining the two-time ISL champions, Vignesh said: "Feels like being at home. Really happy and proud to represent the city and Chennaiyin FC. I'm aware of rich culture of the city and the club so I'll always give my best and be a part of club's success."
After spending five years at Mumbai City, Vignesh joined Hyderabad FC ahead of the 2023-24 season. He played six matches for Hyderabad before joining Odisha FC on loan earlier this year in January. He made 17 appearances across all competitions for the Juggernauts.
Vignesh was also part of the Indian squad that finished runners-up at the 2018 SAFF Championship.
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