Tamil Nadu's pride: Chennai gives warm welcome to Asian Games medallists

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu athletes who won medals in athletics and other events at the Asian Games in Japan received a warm welcome at the Chennai airport, with Minister Maria Wilson leading the reception on behalf of the State government on Thursday night.

More than 100 athletes from the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) also gathered at the airport with banners and raised slogans to welcome the medallists.

The star of the lot was Vidya Ramraj, who won three medals - gold in 4x400m relay, silver in mixed 4x400m relay, and bronze in 400m hurdles. Among the rest were TK Vishal (bronze medals mixed 4x400m relay and 4x400m relay), Abinaya Rajarajan (bronze in 4x100m relay), Baranica Elangovan (bronze in pole vault), and G Kamalini (gold in cricket), and Hariharan Amsakarunan (bronze in badminton).

Speaking to the media, Vidya said the Indian contingent had gone to prove its capabilities against the highly skilled athletes from other Asian countries. The 28-year-old added that she hoped to surpass the achievements of legendary athlete PT Usha and win gold medals, inspiring more youngsters to take up sports.

Vishal recalled how he had visited the airport several times in the past as an athlete supported by SDAT, and was delighted to now return as a medallist.

Abinaya, who began training six years ago, said she had faced criticism from the people in her village who questioned how far a young woman could go in sports. Now, her achievements changed their perception and the same people are proud of her, she added.

Baranica described her pole vault medal as an achievement for India in the event, while Hariharan said it was a matter of pride to win a medal for the State and country.

Kamali, a member of the Indian women's cricket team that won gold, said consistent hard work and parental support could help athletes succeed.

On Friday, the State government organised a special reception for the medal winners at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, where Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna felicitated them. All the athletes thanked the Tamil Nadu government for its schemes to support sports over the years.