CM Vijay Honours Washington Sundar and Praggnanandhaa
Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay felicitates athletes like Washington Sundar and Praggnanandhaa for their international sporting achievements.
In a grand ceremony held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay officially launched the ‘Dream Olympics’ initiative and felicitated a group of elite athletes who have brought glory to the state and the nation. The event, organized by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) at The Leela Palace, celebrated those who secured medals at the 2026 Asian Games and the 46th Chess Olympiad.
The Chief Minister presented the decorated sportspersons with cash incentives via cheques, acknowledging their hard work and international success across various sporting disciplines.
Cricket Star Sundar Expresses Pride
Indian cricketer Washington Sundar, who was a member of the gold-medal-winning Indian cricket team, was among the prominent figures receiving recognition. Sundar took to social media to share his emotions regarding the honour.
"An honour that makes it even more special. Grateful to receive this recognition from the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C. Joseph Vijay. A proud moment, and a reminder to keep striving for excellence!" Sundar posted on X, noting that the gesture serves as a significant motivation to continue his pursuit of sporting greatness.
Praggnanandhaa Credits Support for Success
The felicitation also included Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa, who played a key role in the Indian team's silver medal victory at the Chess Olympiad. The chess prodigy expressed his deep appreciation for the state's support system.
Praggnanandhaa extended his thanks to the Chief Minister, the Sports Minister, and the SDAT, stating that such recognition acts as a powerful catalyst for athletes. He noted that being honoured alongside Asian Games medalists was an inspiring experience.
"Getting recognition for the efforts pushes us to achieve more for our state and our country! Inspiring to be among the athletes who won medals in Asian games!" the Grandmaster shared via his official X handle.
A Boost for Tamil Nadu Sports
The ‘Dream Olympics’ initiative marks a significant step by the Tamil Nadu government to foster a culture of excellence in sports. By providing both financial incentives and public recognition, the state aims to encourage young talents to compete on the global stage, ensuring that the momentum gained by athletes like Sundar and Praggnanandhaa continues to inspire the next generation.