Chennai — In a vibrant celebration of athletic achievement, Tamil Nadu on 18 February 2026 hosted the “Champions of Tamil Nadu” event at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, marking five years of sustained sporting success under the current state government. The ceremony brought together elite athletes, coaches, officials and policymakers to honour contributions that have elevated the State’s profile in national and international sport.
Chief Minister MK Stalin, flanked by Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and senior government functionaries, presided over the function. Awards, appointment orders and cash incentives were distributed to 178 sportspersons recruited under the State’s 3 per cent sports quota, including 62 para-athletes, and Rs 33.5 crore in performance bonuses was disbursed to 1,172 athletes across disciplines for achievements over the last five years.
In his address, Chief Minister MK Stalin said, ‘’If I may put it in simple terms, what we are witnessing is nothing short of a triple jump in the growth of sports in Tamil Nadu. Over the past four and a half years, our government has awarded Rs 177 crore and 80 lakh as high incentive grants to 5,406 athletes who have won medals at the national and international levels. Importantly, we have ensured equality in recognition—241 para-athletes have received Rs 29 crore and 67 lakh, on par with other sportspersons. At this very event, 1,172 athletes who brought pride to Tamil Nadu in international championships, All India inter-university competitions, and various national tournaments have been presented incentives amounting to Rs 33 crore and 51 lakh. In total, we have so far extended Rs 211 crore and 39 lakh to 6,578 athletes. Through the Tamil Nadu Champions Foundation, which I launched in 2023, financial assistance of Rs 30 crore and 21 lakh has been provided to 4,231 sportspersons to support equipment purchases, international participation, and related expenses. After nearly ten years without coach appointments under the previous regime, we rectified the situation by recruiting 76 coaches in 2023, and last month we issued a notification to fill 34 more posts, including 4 positions for para-coaches. We also continue to honour excellence through the Chief Minister’s State Sports Awards—each year recognising 2 women athletes, 2 men athletes, 2 coaches, and 2 physical education directors or teachers with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. So far, 22 individuals have received this honour.
We have also strengthened employment opportunities under the 3% sports quota in government departments and public sector undertakings. Before 2021, only 5 individuals had been appointed under this quota. Since we assumed office, 116 sportspersons, including 5 para-athletes, have secured government employment. I say all this for one reason: these initiatives are meant to inspire and motivate our youth to take up sports as a serious and sustainable career. Tamil Nadu will continue to create champions—not by chance, but by design’’
He laid the foundation stone for a ₹261-crore International Sports City in Semmencherry, envisioned as a world-class training hub capable of hosting global events and nurturing the next generation of champions. With this move, Tamil Nadu aims to enhance its already strong reputation in sports like chess, cricket, and hockey, and expand into other international sports. Complementing these efforts, the state recently hired 76 coaches to boost its sports development initiatives. The CM highlighted equal incentive structures for para-athletes, championing inclusive excellence.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing facilities for athletes, including upgrades to SDAT hostels, expanded coaching networks and improved access to international exposure. “Our athletes deserve environments that match their talent,” he said, signalling further welfare measures.
The emotional tenor of the celebration was amplified by personal tributes from athletes. Speaking at the event, pole vault athlete Pavithra delivered an emotional account of her journey and the support she received from the State. “I have been practising pole vault for the past 15 years. After winning a medal at the Asian Indoor Championship in 2023, I met you (Udhayanidhi),” she said. “I have won several medals at the international level. In May last year, you extended crucial help to me. Do you remember that?”
Turning to the Deputy Chief Minister, she added, “Sir, you gave me my life back. On May 23, 2025, I collapsed during training. When I was admitted to hospital, doctors diagnosed a brain haemorrhage.” She said the matter was immediately communicated to the department, following which she was shifted overnight to Apollo Hospital for advanced treatment. “That very night, ₹4 lakh was credited to my bank account. I received uninterrupted treatment without any obstacles,” she recalled, drawing applause from the audience.
In attendance were top athletes, trainers and sports administrators, each representing a facet of Tamil Nadu’s diverse sporting landscape from traditional games and athletics to emerging disciplines. The event reflected not just individual triumphs but a wider ecosystem that emphasizes competitive excellence, social inclusion and sustained government backing.
As Tamil Nadu looks toward the future, the Champions of Tamil Nadu event served as both recognition of past achievements and a platform to articulate an ambitious vision one where sporting infrastructure, athlete support and community participation converge to make the State a crucible of champions on the national and global stage.
