Tamil Nadu has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting and encouraging athletes, particularly those who have excelled in the Paralympics. In a recent ceremony, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin felicitated the state’s Paralympic medalists from Paris 2024, awarding them substantial cash prizes as a token of appreciation for their remarkable achievements.
Celebrating Excellence
The felicitation ceremony, held in Chennai, was a grand affair attended by several dignitaries, including Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development Udhayanidhi Stalin, senior officials from the State government, and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu. The event was a testament to the state’s dedication to promoting sports and recognizing the hard work and perseverance of its athletes.
Cash Awards for Paralympics Medalists
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin handed over cheques totaling ₹5 crore to four Paralympic medalists. The recipients included:
- Thulasimathi Murugesan: The para-badminton player who won a silver medal in women’s singles SU5 received a cheque for ₹2 crore.
- Manisha Ramadass: Another para-badminton player, who secured a bronze medal in women’s singles SU5, was awarded ₹1 crore.
- Nithya Sivan: She also won a bronze medal in women’s singles SH6 and received ₹1 crore.
- Mariyappan Thangavelu: The high jump T63 bronze medalist was awarded ₹1 crore.
These cash awards are not just a financial incentive but also a recognition of the athletes’ dedication and hard work. They serve as a motivation for other aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams and excel in their respective sports.
விளையாட்டுத் துறையில் நம்முடைய திராவிட மாடல் அரசின் சீரிய முயற்சிகளால் உலக அரங்கில் தமிழ்நாடு தொடர்ந்து முத்திரை பதித்து வருகிறது. அத்தகைய வரலாற்றுப் பயணத்திற்கு மேலும் வலுசேர்த்திடும் வகையில் பாரீஸ் பாராலிம்பிக் போட்டியில் பதக்கங்களை வென்று அசத்தியுள்ளனர் நம் வீரர்,… pic.twitter.com/8P9OKp5GHK
— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) September 25, 2024
The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) chief coach Satyanarayana highlighted the importance of government support in the growth of para-sports. “The Government of India treated Olympians and Paralympians equally. Now the government supports and even a lot of athletes are coming. Earlier, nobody even knew what Paralympics was. But now, everyone knows about it. Tamil Nadu is doing really well and providing a lot of facilities to youngsters. Para-sports has reached the rural India.”
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