Thiruvananthapuram: Ammu, the beloved Great Hornbill mascot of the National Games, has earned a place in the Limca Book of Records, leaving a legacy beyond the sports arena.
The recognition comes for the play “Kalikkunna Kuttikalkkayi Bharatham Kathirikkunnu” (India Awaits Children Who Play), in which Ammu is the central character. According to the Limca Book’s 2015 Special Literature Edition, the production achieved the remarkable feat of being staged in the most number of schools.
The play had been performed in 147 schools across seven districts of Kerala, encouraging thousands of students to embrace sports alongside academics.
Conceived to ignite a passion for physical activity among children, the play was scripted and directed by theatre artist Anil Karetee and brought to life by a dedicated troupe of police officers led by Chandrakumar. The first performance was staged in September at a school in Thiruvananthapuram, sparking an overwhelming response from educators and students alike.
Officials from the National Games Secretariat said Ammu’s journey to the record books reflects the enduring power of creativity and sport to inspire the next generation.
With this achievement, Ammu is no longer just a mascot—it’s a symbol of sportsmanship, community engagement, and the belief that the playing field is as important as the classroom.
