TN DCM Udhayanidhi Stalin presented a high cash incentive of ₹4.35 crore to 158 athletes who won medals in the 38th National Games.

At the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, in collaboration with the Chennai Olympic Academy, Honorable Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin awarded the cash incentives to these athletes who secured medals in the 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand.

In his speech, he emphasized that, under the directive of the Honorable Chief Minister, the Tamil Nadu government has provided ₹4.35 crore as a reward for the 158 medal-winning athletes, recognizing their outstanding achievements. Expressing joy and pride, he extended his congratulations to all the athletes and encouraged them to continue their excellence in sports.

He highlighted Tamil Nadu’s achievements in sports, mentioning athletes like Vidya Ramraj, who equaled P.T. Usha’s record in the 400m hurdles at the 2022 Asian Games, and national swimming champion Siddharth Rajan, who won multiple medals. He commended these athletes for their resilience and determination.

Furthermore, he stated that Tamil Nadu is the only state in India that immediately recognizes and rewards victorious athletes. Within just five days of the National Games, the government has presented this incentive, setting a record. He recalled that in January, ₹24.46 crore was distributed to 1,000 medal-winning athletes, and in February, ₹4.35 crore was awarded to 158 athletes, including 29 elite athletes from Tamil Nadu’s SDAT schemes.

He also emphasized that the Dravidian model government is committed to promoting sports, providing 3% special reservations for sportspersons in government jobs. In this regard, 84 athletes have been appointed to Tamil Nadu government and public sector jobs.

Encouraging athletes to aim for greater achievements, he expressed confidence that Tamil Nadu, which moved from 10th to 6th place in the National Games, will soon reach the top position. He assured that the government is always ready to support them.

The event was attended by officials from the Department of Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority, Tamil Nadu Olympic Association, and prominent athletes.