head of administration and advisor – of Travancore. Politics The current Chairperson of the Municipality is Cherian Polachirackal and the vice-chairman is Sreerenjini S Pillai for 2018–2020. Thiruvalla's assembly constituency is part of the newly formed Pathanamthitta (Lok Sabha constituency). The current MLA is Adv. Mathew T Thomas. Current MP Pathanamthitta (Lok Sabha constituency) is Anto Antony. Religion The city inside the modern municipal limits has an almost equal number of Christians (48.03%) and Hindus (46.92%). Muslims form 4.80% of the population. Thiruvalla is home to the Sree Vallabha Temple which is the only one of its kind in the State to have Kathakali performed as a ritual offering every night. Sports The popular sports in Thiruvalla are football and cricket. The football history of Thiruvalla can be traced back to the legendary footballer from Thiruvalla, Thomas Varghes, called "Tiruvalla Pappan". He represented India in the London Olympics of 1948, and is described as one of the best defenders of 40's – 50's from India. Today, Thiruvalla hosts many district and state-level football and cricket tournaments. There is a stadium in Thiruvalla maintained by the Thiruvalla Municipal Council. This is the venue for most of the tournaments. It is also called "Prithi stadium". Indoor Cricket The Kerala Cricket Association has set up the world-class indoor cricket stadium complex in Thiruvalla, with world-class facilities, with 24-7 practising facilities. The facility is adjacent to the Thiruvalla Municipal stadium and is constructed on 8000 square feet, on 50 cents of land. The facility also houses a library, multi-gym, board room, KCA district office, and a conference hall. Specially made natural grass wicket is the specialty of the practicing nets in the courtyard. This indoor cricket facility is perhaps, the first of its kind in the state. Food and other cultural activities Thiruvalla hosts cultural events including flower shows and food fests. Notable persons Anna Rajam Malhotra, Indian Administrative Service officer Thenmadom Varghese, Indian professional footballer Poykayil Yohannan, social activist, poet Vennikkulam Gopala Kurup, poet Abraham Kovoor, hypnotherapist and rationalist Abu Abraham, cartoonist Dr. M.M. Thomas, former Governor of Nagaland Baselios MarThoma Didymos I, Malankara Metropolitan and Catholicos of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Babu Thiruvalla, movie director and producer Blessy, movie director C. K. Ra, artist C.P. Mathen, banker and founder of the Quilon Bank C J Kuttappan, folklore artist Col. Jojan Thomas, military officer John Abraham, movie director K. G. George, movie director