Tamil Nadu Players Exhilarated Over The Incentives Given By Udhayanidhi Stalin

Those who received stipends from Tamil Nadu Championship Foundation have now progressed to a level of participating in international competitions and receiving incentives worth several lakhs.

In the past, the government's focus was on sports like cricket, hockey, swimming, badminton, squash etc. Other sports and sportspersons came to limelight after Udhayanidhi Stalin became Sports Minister. Udhayanidhi Stalin analysed the nook and corner of the state and extended helping hands to develop the sports skills.

Many such skilled persons, with Udhayanidhi's help participated in international competitions and won several gold medals. Recently, he invited the winners of international competition (Asia-Oceania Championship 2023) and gave several lakhs as incentives.

Viewpoint of the achievers:

Sports Minister presented a cheque of Rs.1.89 lakh each to Pandiya Rajan, Joshua Andrews, who are affected by Cerebral Palsy (a congenital disorder affecting movement, muscle tone or posture) and participated in Asia-Oceania Championship 2023 held in Melbourne, Australia.

Joshua Andrews said, "I have been involved in cerebral palsy related games since 2018 but this is the first time I am participating in the Asia-Oceania championship representing India. Thanks to Udhayanidhi Stalin who made our dreams come true by taking care of the travel arrangements and expenses, without which there is no possibility for us to participate in the championship."

Pandiya Rajan said, "Help offered at the right time motivates an athlete to a next level. In my lifetime, I will never forget the timely help offered by Udhayanidhi Stalin, because of whom I got the great opportunity of participating in the Asia-Oceania championship."

Guhan Vasanth, a roller skater who won silver medal in the 19th Asian Roller Skating Championship held in China received a cheque of Rs.2 lakhs as incentive from Udhayanidhi Stalin. He said, "I am studying in Campion school Trichy and have been involved in roller skating for the past 9 years.

I have participated and won medals in several state level, national level and international level competitions. My recent accomplishment is the silver medal in the 19th Asian Roller Skating Championship 2023.

Despite my achievements, no one came forward to provide financial support and encouragement. After becoming Sports Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin has given many such financial incentives which is a morale boost to several athletes like me."

Apart from this, Udhayanidhi Stalin has disbursed cheque worth 38.40 lakh from the Tamil Nadu Championship Trust Fund to 24 athletes from Tamil Nadu who are going to participate in IWAS (International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation), to be held in Thailand in the month of December.

Balasubramanian Rajkumar, a para badminton player said, "Last July, I participated in the 2023 World Dwarf Games held in Germany and won a gold medal in the Singles Badminton category for which Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin provided financial incentive.

In the coming December, I have planned to participate in the IWAS 2023 competition which is to be held in Thailand. Regarding this, we requested Udhayanidhi brother to help us financially. Accepting the request, he gave 1.60 lakh to each of us without which we cannot even reach the avenue. After Udhayanidhi Stalin became Sports Minister, the golden era for the sports sector began. Heartfelt thanks to Udhayanidhi brother who made the sports sector so dynamic."

Recently, Udhayanidhi Stalin met and congratulated Tamil Nadu sportsmen and women who participated and won medals in the 22nd Asia Masters Athletics Championship for seniors held in the Philippines.