The Tamil Nadu government has announced a total incentive of Rs 6.9 crore for 12 athletes from the state who secured medals at the 20th Asian Games in Japan. These athletes were among a contingent of 37 sportspeople from Tamil Nadu who represented India across 11 different disciplines. As of Friday, the group had collectively earned 18 medals, comprising two gold, three silver, and 13 bronze.
Several medallists arrived in Chennai on Thursday night, where they were welcomed at the Chennai International Airport by Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson and other senior officials. On Friday, Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna hosted a felicitation event at the Nehru Indoor Stadium to congratulate the athletes. Among those recognized were Vithya Ramraj, Paranika Ilangovan, Abinaya Rajarajan, Vishal Thenarasu Kayalvizhi, Kamalini, and Hariharan.
Athlete Vithya Ramraj achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first sportsperson from Tamil Nadu to win three medals—one gold, one silver, and one bronze—at a single Asian Games. Her performance included setting a new national record in the women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 54.75 seconds, surpassing the 42-year-old record previously held by P.T. Usha. For her achievements, she is set to receive Rs 1.55 crore.
Other notable performances include Paranika Ilangovan, who secured a bronze in the women’s pole vault, marking the first time an Indian woman has medalled in the event at the Asian Games. Kamalini, a gold medallist in women’s cricket, will receive Rs 75 lakh. Vishal, who earned a silver in the mixed 4x400m relay and a bronze in the men’s 4x400m relay, is allocated Rs 80 lakh. Similarly, Abhay Singh will receive Rs 80 lakh for his silver in men’s squash singles and bronze in the men’s team event.
Squash players Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar are each set to receive Rs 60 lakh for their respective medal wins. Additionally, the government has confirmed that athletes who secured bronze medals will be awarded Rs 30 lakh each. The state’s medal tally continued to grow on Friday as Nethra Kumanan secured a bronze medal in the sailing dinghy event.