TN’s Asian Games Medallists Get Hero’s Welcome at Airport

Chennai:The Tamil Nadu athletes who won medals at the Asian Games in Japan were given a rousing welcome at Chennai airport on their return on Friday. As many as 100 athletes from the State Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) turned up with placards to greet the medallists.

Vidya Ramraj, Vishal, Abinaya and Paranika, who won medals in athletics, were received by Minister Maria Wilson at the airport on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government. The athletes were felicitated with traditional crowns and congratulated.

Vidya Ramraj won three medals — gold in women’s 4x400m relay, silver in mixed 4x400m relay and bronze in women’s 400m hurdles.

Vishal won bronze medals in mixed 4x400m relay and men’s 4x400m relay. Abinaya won bronze in women’s 100m relay while pole vaulter Paranika won a bronze medal.

Speaking to reporters, the Minister said, “I have come here not as a minister, but as a sportsperson to welcome those who have achieved at the Asian Games. I congratulate all of them. May their winning journey continue.”

Vidya Ramraj said “We went there to prove our ability. Tamil Nadu has several schemes to encourage sportspersons, and this has provided tremendous encouragement to athletes like us. Without government support, we could not have reached this level.”

Vishal recalled that he had come to the airport earlier to receive medallists in the past. “I have come here many times as an SDAT hostel athlete to welcome others. Now, coming here myself after winning a medal makes me extremely happy,” he said, thanking the government for supporting his development from a young age.

Abinaya said the support provided to athletes in Tamil Nadu had helped her overcome doubts about whether a girl from a village could pursue sport at the highest level. “I have been training for the past six years. When I started, many people questioned how a girl from a village could go this far. Today, everyone in my village is proud of me,” she said.

Paranika described her pole-vault medal as a historic achievement, saying it was India’s first medal in the event at the Asian Games. She thanked the government and her coaches for their support and said the medal would motivate her to pursue further international success.

Badminton medallist Harikaran said winning a medal for Tamil Nadu at the Asian Games was a matter of great happiness. He thanked the State government and his coaches for their support and said he would continue training for upcoming international competitions.

Indian women’s cricket team medallist Kamalini said the team’s gold medal at the Asian Games was a major achievement. She thanked the Tamil Nadu government and Chief Minister for their continued encouragement and said sustained hard work, backed by parents, could help athletes succeed irrespective of age.