Since assuming office in 2021, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government has steadily positioned Tamil Nadu as a credible host for international sporting events, using sport as both a soft-power tool and a platform for global engagement. The result has been a noticeable shift in how the State features on the world sports calendar.
The most defining moment came in mid-2022, when Chennai hosted the 44th Chess Olympiad, one of the largest global team competitions in the sport. With hundreds of players from across continents descending on the city, the event was widely seen as a logistical and diplomatic success, drawing praise from international federations and participants alike.
Building on that momentum, Tamil Nadu went on to host the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in 2023, once again in Chennai. While continental in scope, the hockey tournament featured Asia’s top national sides and reinforced the State’s growing reputation as a dependable venue for elite international competition.
The State’s ambitions extended beyond senior tournaments. In a significant endorsement of its sporting infrastructure, Chennai and Madurai were confirmed as host cities for the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, bringing 24 under-21 national teams from around the world to Tamil Nadu. The event underlined the government’s focus on long-term sporting ecosystems rather than one-off showcases.
Tamil Nadu has also pushed into emerging sports. The announcement of the Chennai Esports Global Championship, backed by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, signalled an attempt to align global youth culture, technology and competitive sport under one umbrella.
Alongside these marquee events, the State has continued to host international-level tennis tournaments, motorsport championships and squash events, steadily broadening its sporting footprint.
As the DMK government completes nearly five years in office, its sustained push to attract, host and successfully execute international sporting events has reshaped Tamil Nadu’s image — not merely as a participant in Indian sport, but as a confident global host capable of delivering on the world stage.
– Samuthiran
