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Udhayanidhi Stalin Hails Asian Games Squash Bronze Medals by Velavan, Abhay, Joshna, and Shameena, Urges Sustained Public Sports Funding
My hearty congratulations to Velavan, Abhay Singh, Joshna Chinappa and Shameena Riyaz on winning bronze medals for India in the Men’s and Women’s Squash…
Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition and DMK Youth Wing Secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin congratulated squash players Velavan Senthilkumar, Abhay Singh, Joshna Chinappa, and Shameena Riyaz for winning bronze medals at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Indian contingent secured podium finishes in both the men’s and women’s team events. Calling their international success a proud moment for Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi commended the stamina, tactical discipline, and teamwork displayed on court. Chennai has nurtured Indian squash through the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) academy, producing champions across three decades. Udhayanidhi pointed out that these continental medals reflect years of deliberate public backing. Under the Dravidian model of governance, state initiatives like the Tamil Nadu Champions Foundation (TNCF) and the ELITE athlete scheme shifted sports funding from private privilege into an accessible public right, providing direct stipends, sports science support, and foreign tournament exposure to young players. Economic security makes athletic careers sustainable. Udhayanidhi cited the state's 3 percent sports quota, which has placed over 300 athletes in permanent government jobs, shielding working-class households from financial distress while players train for international competitions. He urged the state administration to preserve these dedicated funding pipelines, ensuring that grassroots talent across rural and urban Tamil Nadu receives advanced coaching and modern training facilities.
My hearty congratulations to Velavan, Abhay Singh, Joshna Chinappa and Shameena Riyaz on winning bronze medals for India in the Men’s and Women’s Squash Team events respectively at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Their achievement is a proud moment for Tamil Nadu. Wishing them continued success and many more medals in the days ahead! #Squash #AsianGames