Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Announces ₹30 Lakh Reward for Asian Para Games Bronze Medal Winners

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced cash incentives of ₹30 lakh each for para table tennis players Baby Sahana Ravi and Jehan Dorab Madan after they won bronze medals at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Sahana won bronze in the women`s singles Class 9 category, while Chennai-based Madan secured third place in the men`s singles Class 1 event. Congratulating the athletes, Vijay praised their achievements and said their success would inspire young people to pursue sports.

Sahana`s medal marked a historic achievement for India, as it was the country`s first-ever medal in the standing category of para table tennis at the Asian Para Games.

Madan, a former racing driver, took up para table tennis after a road accident left him paralysed. He reached the semifinals before losing to South Korea`s Kim Hyeonuk in straight games.

Anandkumar Velkumar Wins World Skating Gold

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu speed skater Anandkumar Velkumar won gold in the senior men`s 42-km marathon at the World Skate Games 2026 in Asuncion, Paraguay, on October 18. He successfully defended his world title and also won bronze in the 500-metre sprint and silver in the 1,000-metre event, finishing with three medals.

The Chief Minister also congratulated Lakshita, Pragathi and Rutva for winning bronze in the junior women`s 3,000-metre relay. Their achievement marked India`s first relay medal at the World Speed Skating Championships.

Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna said Tamil Nadu`s sports development schemes were supporting athletes in international competitions. Velkumar received support under the Elite scheme, while the junior relay athletes benefited from the Champions Development Scheme.