Tamil Nadu emerges as country’s best sports State: Udhayanidhi Stalin

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday said that Tamil Nadu has emerged as the country’s best sports State and the State’s achievements in sports are not solely the result of government initiatives, but also the outcome of the rigorous training undergone by sportspersons, the dedicated efforts of coaches and the continuous support of parents.

Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin, in the presence of Minister for Housing, Prohibition and Excise S. Muthusamy and Minister for Tamil Development, Information and Publicity, M.P. Saminathan, distributed Kalaignar Sports Kits to local bodies from 14 districts at a function held at the Government College of Engineering, Chithode.

On the occasion, he said former Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi were guided by the ideals of Periyar in Erode district, and that this legacy of progressive thinking continues under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, making the State one of the most developed and secure states in the country. He noted that just as the State leads the nation in several sectors, it has also emerged as a frontrunner in sports.

Highlighting inspiring individual achievements, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin cited the success of Sneha, a gymnast, and Nithya Ramraj, an athlete, both from the district. Stressing that women must excel in sports, he described both athletes as strong role models and a source of inspiration for aspiring sportspersons across the State.

Referring to the Kalaignar Sports Kit scheme, he said it was launched last year covering 13,000 village panchayats, with each kit containing equipment for 30 different sports. The initiative received an overwhelming response from rural areas, prompting the Chief Minister to expand the scheme to all urban local bodies.

The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the Chief Minister’s various initiatives to strengthen sports infrastructure, including the establishment of mini stadiums in every Assembly constituency. He added that national- and international-level sporting events would be hosted at the newly inaugurated hockey stadium in Coimbatore, further enhancing the State’s sports ecosystem.

Listing the global and national-level competitions hosted in the State during the current year, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin said the government extends comprehensive support to athletes through the Tamil Nadu Champions Foundation, including training assistance and flight ticket support. He noted that a 3% sports quota is provided to medal winners in government employment.

He further stated that 100 sportspersons were provided jobs in government departments and public sector undertakings last year, while the Chief Minister has set a target of providing 125 such jobs in the current year.

He also highlighted the annual Chief Minister’s Trophy, under which sports competitions are conducted every year with a total cash reward of ₹30 crore, an initiative that has drawn appreciation from several other States.

Calling upon athletes to remain focused and confident, he said, “If you concentrate and play with confidence, no one can defeat you on the field.” He urged District Collectors and other authorities to ensure that the sports kits distributed are used effectively, so that the State continues to lead the country in sports development.

MPs Anthiyur P. Selvaraj and K.E. Prakash, MLAs A.G. Venkatachalam and V.C. Chandhirakumar, Mayor S. Nagarathinam; Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Atulya Misra, Chief Executive Officer and Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Champions Foundation, J. Meghanatha Reddy, Collector S. Kandasamy, Corporation Commissioner Arpit Jain and other officials were present.