SRMIST Honors Asian Games Stars and Chess GMs with Rs 23 Lakh Reward
SRM Institute of Science and Technology honors six Asian Games medalists and Chess Grandmasters with cash rewards totaling Rs 23 lakh.
In a grand gesture to celebrate sporting excellence, the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has felicitated six student achievers and one alumna for their stellar performances. The institution distributed cash rewards totaling Rs 23 lakh to recognize the athletes' success at the 2026 Asian Games and the remarkable achievements of several International Chess Grandmasters.
Celebrating Excellence in Chennai
The felicitation ceremony, titled 'Celebrating the Asian Games Medal Winners and Three Chess Grandmasters', took place at the Ramada Plaza in Guindy, Chennai. The event served as a platform to honor the grit and determination of the students who brought laurels to the institution and the country on the international stage.
Addressing the gathering, SRMIST Vice Chancellor Ravi Pachamuthu spoke about the intrinsic link between sports and character building. He emphasized that competition is a catalyst for growth and is essential for developing mental toughness and discipline.
"Competition fosters growth and builds mental toughness. This is why we consistently promote sports, and our universities do the same. With an eye on the Olympics, we are preparing mentally, and our director is training the students accordingly," Pachamuthu stated.
From Bronze Medals to Olympic Dreams
Among the honorees was Indian squash player Shameena Riaz, who secured a bronze medal for India at the Asian Games. For Shameena, the victory was not just a personal milestone but a family legacy. She shared that her father had previously won gold and silver medals, making her own achievement feel even more special.
Expressing her gratitude, Shameena noted that the support from SRMIST has been pivotal to her development. She mentioned that the financial reward and the recognition act as powerful motivators to continue winning medals for her college, state, and country. Her current focus remains strictly on rigorous training for upcoming competitions.
Sailing Toward the Olympics
Sailor Nethra Kumanan also expressed her deep appreciation for the university's support, specifically highlighting the assistance provided for overseas travel and international training. She credited the institution's backing for enabling her to compete at the highest global levels.
Looking ahead, Nethra has set her sights on the world's biggest sporting stage. Her immediate priority is to ensure India qualifies for the Olympic Games. With events scheduled for January, she is preparing to enter a new phase of intense training to ensure a significant achievement at the Olympics.
A Holistic Approach to Sports
The event highlighted SRMIST's commitment to nurturing talent beyond the classroom. By honoring both the physical prowess of the Asian Games medalists and the intellectual mastery of the Chess Grandmasters, the institution underscored its focus on diverse sporting disciplines and its ambition to see its students excel in future Olympic competitions.