The contribution of Madras Engineer Group & Centre, popularly known as ‘Madras Sappers’ to sports has been immense. Some illustrious sportsmen have carved a niche for themselves both at national and international levels. In recognition of their services, Brig Vijay P Pawar, Commandant, MEG & Centre felicitated them at a function held on the occasion.

‘Madras Sappers’ has the distinction of producing eleven Olympians so far in various disciplines. The first among them, late Hony Capt VJ Peter (Retd) was a hockey wizard. Those present at the felicitation ceremony were Hony Captains C Narayana, CC Machaiah, M Venu, G Manoharan and I Amaldass. Sub Shamsher Khan who represented India in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics in swimming could not attend the ceremony due to ill-health. Among serving Olympians were Sub Maj John William, boxer (Seoul Olympics) and Nb Sub Anil Kumar P (Sydney Olympics) who is the fastest runner in the country and holds the national record in both 100m and 200m sprints. Six of these Olympians have the distinction of beng honoured with Arjuna award.

The felicitation ceremony was graced by a large number of retired and serving Madras Sappers and sportsmen of international repute.