In an initiative suggested by Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and the Greater Chennai Corporation arranged giant screens on Marina and Besant Nagar beaches for fans to watch the cricket World Cup final between India and Australia. Despite the Sunday afternoon heat, hundreds of fans gathered at these locations.
The Corporation Commissioner, J. Radhakrishnan, noted that the response was excellent, and this initiative was undertaken to provide public spaces for watching matches and music events. However, concerns were raised about the obstructed view for differently-abled individuals on Marina due to the lack of barricades.
SDAT Member-Secretary J. Meghanatha Reddy appreciated the encouraging turnout and the creative approach to beat the heat, with people bringing bedsheets to sit on the sands.