Published Oct 13, 2023 | 11:53 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 13, 2023 | 11:53 AM
MK Stalin congratulating the athletes from Tamil Nadu. (Udhaystalin/ X)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday, 12 October, lauded the spectacular performance of athletes from the state in the 19th Asian Games at Hangzhou, China, and presented them cash incentive of ₹9.40 crore.
Though the Indian athletes displayed remarkable skill and clinched an impressive 107 medals at the Asian Games 2023, the sportspersons from Tamil Nadu performed with dedication and won 28 medals, he said.
“Our players from Tamil Nadu won more medals, which is a great joy for all of us. Out of the total 107 medals won by India, 28 were won by Tamil Nadu sportspersons. Our state is ranked fifth in India,” he said and urged the athletes to perform more to make the state numero uno in hauling medals at international meets.
Providing the medalists a total incentive of ₹9.40 crore at an event held here, the chief minister said “I request you to continue to contribute in all the national and international competitions. Your successive victories will be a proud moment for you, Tamil Nadu, and India.”
The cash purse— ₹50 lakh to the gold medalists, ₹30 lakh to the silver and ₹20 lakh to bronze medalists— was not only a recognition of their success and an encouragement to perform more but also to inspire aspiring athletes and others to win laurels for the state, he said.
The Dravidian model of governance has been promoting all sectors and more on sectors like the sports department which has emerged as a star sector due to the “star” minister, Stalin said pointing to his son and Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
He recalled the numerous achievements of his government in sports particularly in conducting the 44th Chess Olympiad and Squash World Cup, and in improving the infrastructure.
“During the last two years, 1,864 athletes from Tamil Nadu won medals at the international and national meets and brought glory to India and Tamil Nadu. They have been provided with a total incentive of ₹52. 82 crore,” the chief minister noted.
Delighted to honour our #AsianGames2023 medallists from Tamil Nadu, the first state to incentivise their achievements with Rs 9.40 crore. Let’s continue to nurture and recognise our talent. 🏅 #TamilNaduTalent #PrideOfIndia @Udhaystalin @SportsTN_ pic.twitter.com/1IMhC8q8KH
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) October 13, 2023
The government was taking steps to establish a Sports City in Chennai, and Olympic Academies in Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and the Nilgiris to train athletes and set up stadiums across the state.
He urged Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and the department officials to take appropriate steps to inculcate interest in sports among the students.
According to the sports minister, as many as 48 athletes from Tamil Nadu participated in the Asian Games, and 20 of them won 28 medals in 17 disciplines.
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