Tamil Nadu CM launches Dream Olympics initiative and felicitates athletes

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay launched the Dream Olympics initiative and felicitated state athletes who won medals at the 2026 Asian Games and Chess Olympiad. The ceremony at The Leela Palace in Chennai included cash incentives presented through the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.

Wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini who won gold with India's women's cricket team at the Asian Games said Vijay's assurance of support meant the most to her. Chess Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa thanked the state government for support through SDAT's elite scheme after India's silver medal at the Chess Olympiad. Athlete Vithya Ramraj broke a 42-year-old national record and expressed gratitude for government backing.

Rower Satnam Singh who won bronze in the men's double sculls at the Asian Games said the medal opens new possibilities for the sport in India. Satnam had previously won bronze in the quadruple sculls at Hangzhou in 2023.