Aadhav Arjuna, the Minister for Public Works and Sports, presented a cheque of Rs 10 lakh to prominent chess player R Vaishali at the Nehru Indoor Stadium. This financial aid is intended to support her participation in international chess competitions, as indicated by the Tamil Nadu Sports Ministry’s announcement.

Achievements of R Vaishali

R Vaishali, a talented chess player, is the younger sibling of Indian grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa. Recently, she claimed the FIDE Women’s Candidates title by defeating Kateryna Lagno in the final round during the FIDE Candidates 2026 held in Cyprus. With this victory, the 24-year-old player has secured her spot in the upcoming Women’s World Championship match, where she is set to compete against the current champion, Ju Wenjun, later in the year.

Government Initiatives to Support Athletes

During the cheque presentation, Minister Aadhav Arjuna emphasized that the Tamil Nadu government is implementing various initiatives aimed at assisting local athletes in winning medals at both national and international levels. He mentioned that the authorities are focused on identifying talented sportspeople and providing them with the necessary support tailored to their training and competitive needs.

Champions Development Scheme (CDS)

As part of these initiatives, the Champions Development Scheme (CDS) has been introduced to support athletes. Under this scheme, national-level gold medalists under the age of 20 can receive financial aid of up to Rs 4 lakh annually. This funding is designed to cover essential expenses such as sports equipment, uniforms, overseas training, and international competition participation.

Mission International Medal Scheme (MIMS)

Additionally, the Mission International Medal Scheme (MIMS) has been established to support athletes with potential to secure international medals. Eligible athletes can avail of financial assistance of up to Rs 12 lakh per year. This funding can be utilized for purchasing sports equipment, facilitating overseas training, and aiding participation in global sporting events.

Focus on Need-Based Support

Aadhav Arjuna elaborated on the importance of need-based assistance, stating that talented athletes are systematically identified to receive the necessary support for their sporting endeavors. He reiterated the commitment of the government to enhance the preparation of Tamil Nadu’s sportspersons, enabling them to compete effectively on the world stage.

Conclusion of the Event

The cheque presentation concluded with the Minister wishing R Vaishali continued success in her forthcoming competitions, reinforcing the government’s dedication to nurturing talent across various sports disciplines in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share