Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announces Rs 30 lakh each for Joshna Chinappa, Velavan Senthilkumar
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced a cash incentive of Rs 30 lakh each for squash players Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar after they won a bronze medal in the mixed-doubles event at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
The Chennai-based Joshna and Velavan secured India’s bronze after reaching the mixed-doubles semifinals. The medal was particularly significant for Joshna, who has now won six Asian Games medals across seven appearances.
Congratulating the two players, Vijay said their achievement had brought recognition to Tamil Nadu and India and would inspire young athletes in the state.
The Rs 30 lakh incentive is part of Tamil Nadu’s policy of providing cash rewards to athletes from the state who win medals at major international competitions. Both Joshna and Velavan have also trained under the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority’s Elite Scheme.
Fresh update: Vijay has subsequently announced other incentives for Tamil Nadu athletes at the Asian Games, including Rs 50 lakh for squash player Abhay Singh after his men’s singles silver medal and Rs 30 lakh for pole-vaulter Baranica Elangovan following her bronze.
