Chennai, Aug 5 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Wednesday presented cash incentives totalling Rs 80 lakh to three athletes from the state who won medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, honouring their performances on the international stage.
Weightlifter Raja Muthupandi and triple jumper Praveen Chithravel, who secured silver medals in their respective events, received Rs 30 lakh each. In comparison, triple jumper Selva Prabhu was presented with Rs 20 lakh for winning a bronze medal.
The Chief Minister congratulated the three athletes and said their achievements had brought pride to Tamil Nadu and the country. He expressed confidence that their performances would inspire young sportspersons across the state to pursue excellence in international competitions.
Muthupandi won silver in the men’s 65 kg weightlifting event at the 23rd Commonwealth Games. Following his medal-winning performance, Vijay announced a cash incentive of Rs 30 lakh for the Tamil Nadu weightlifter.
In a statement issued after Muthupandi’s victory, the Chief Minister said the athlete’s achievement would inspire youngsters and give them renewed energy and confidence to excel in sports.
He also expressed hope that Muthupandi would continue to bring laurels to both Tamil Nadu and India through his future performances.
Praveen Chithravel and Selva Prabhu further strengthened Tamil Nadu’s success at the Games in the men’s triple jump. Chithravel, who hails from Tiruvarur district, clinched the silver medal, while Selva Prabhu of Madurai district secured bronze in the event. Congratulating the two athletes, Vijay said their performances deserved recognition and appreciation.
The state government subsequently announced Rs 30 lakh for Chithravel and Rs 20 lakh for Selva Prabhu as enhanced incentives in recognition of their medal-winning efforts. The presentation of the awards on Wednesday formally honoured all three medal winners, with the state government disbursing a combined Rs 80 lakh in incentives.
The Chief Minister said the accomplishments of the athletes reflected Tamil Nadu’s growing presence in competitive sport and demonstrated the potential of youngsters from the state to succeed at the highest international level.
He wished the medal winners further success and expressed confidence that they would continue to represent Tamil Nadu and India with distinction in future national and international sporting events.
–IANS
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