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TN Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin Felicitates Beach Volleyball Medalists

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin felicitated Tamil Nadu's medal-winning athletes from the Khelo India Beach Games. The event also saw the distribution of financial assistance from the Tamil Nadu Champions Trust Fund to eight athletes across various sports. The support, totaling Rs 7.85 lakh, is for purchasing equipment and covering competition expenses. This initiative underscores the state government's focused policy to become a national leader in sports development.

Key Points: TN Supports Athletes with Trust Fund, Felicitates Medalists

  • Athletes felicitated for Khelo India medals
  • Financial aid from Champions Trust Fund
  • Support for equipment & competition expenses
  • Part of TN's sports capital vision
2 min read

TN beach volleyball medalists felicitated by Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin

Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin felicitates Khelo India Beach Games medalists and disburses financial aid to athletes via Champions Trust Fund.

"Sustained investment, institutional backing and athlete-centric policies would remain central to Tamil Nadu's vision of emerging as a national leader in sports development. - Officials"

Chennai, Jan 28

Tamil Nadu's growing stature as a rising sports powerhouse was on display on Wednesday when women athletes who won medals in beach volleyball at the Khelo India Beach Games met Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and received official recognition for their achievements.

The interaction comes at a time when the Tamil Nadu government, under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has been taking sustained steps to transform the State into India's sports capital. A key pillar of this effort is the Tamil Nadu Champions Trust Fund, established to provide targeted financial assistance to promising athletes.

The fund supports the purchase of sports equipment, participation in international competitions, and access to specialised training for national and international events.

As part of this initiative, the Deputy Chief Minister presented cheques to several athletes who have excelled at the national level.

Athletes J. Gokulapandiyan and V. Naveenkumar, along with women athletes J. Suji and K. Yamini, received cheques worth Rs 1.35 lakh towards the purchase of sports equipment.

Archers P. Satheeshkumar and R. Pritheshwaran were also supported with cheques amounting to Rs 1 lakh for sports equipment. In addition, para-cyclist P. Pradeep, who competed in the Asian Para Road Cycling Championship held in Saudi Arabia in February 2026, was provided financial assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh to cover competition-related expenses.

Cyclist R. Sanjay received Rs 2 lakh for his participation in the Asian Road Cycling Championship. In total, eight athletes were extended financial support amounting to Rs 7.85 lakh from the Tamil Nadu Champions Trust Fund to help them compete internationally and upgrade essential sporting equipment.

Following the cheque distribution, Tamil Nadu athletes who won medals in beach volleyball at the Khelo India Beach Games formally met the Deputy Chief Minister and expressed their gratitude. The medal winners included K. Deepika, Su. Pavithra, M. Swathi and A. Darshini in the women's category, and V. Rajesh, So. Bharath, S. Abithan and U. Poonthamizhann among the men.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department, including Principal Secretary Satyaprata Sahu and Member Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, J. Meghanatha Reddy.

Government officials, athletes and women officers were also present. Officials reiterated that sustained investment, institutional backing and athlete-centric policies would remain central to Tamil Nadu's vision of emerging as a national leader in sports development.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good step by the TN government. Financial support for equipment and travel is often the biggest hurdle for athletes from middle-class families. Hope this trust fund is managed transparently and reaches the genuine talent. Congrats to all the medalists!
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the support, Rs 1.35 lakh for sports equipment seems quite modest for international-level competition. Volleyball nets, balls, training gear, and travel for specialized coaching cost much more. The intent is good, but the amounts need to be realistic to truly make TN a sports capital.
S
Satyaprata Sahu
As an official who was present, it was heartening to see the direct interaction between the Deputy CM and the athletes. This isn't just about funds; it's about building a supportive ecosystem. The focus on para-athletes like Pradeep is particularly commendable. Jai Hind.
M
Meera T
So proud of our sportswomen! Beach volleyball on the international stage from Tamil Nadu – who would have thought a few years ago? This shows what consistent policy focus can achieve. Hope other states learn from this athlete-centric model. All the best to the team! 🌟
D
David E
Interesting read. It's good to see state-level governments in India actively investing in sports development. The inclusion of para-cycling is a positive sign of broader inclusivity. The key will be sustaining this funding and support over multiple political cycles.

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