Asian Games 2026: CM Vijay announces Rs 30 lakh each for Tamil Nadu squash players Joshna Chinappa, Shameena Riyaz

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday announced a cash incentive of Rs 30 lakh each for squash players Joshna Chinappa and Shameena Riyaz after they helped the Indian women's team win a bronze medal at the 20th Asian Games in Japan.

Anahat Singh, Tanvi Khanna, Joshna Chinappa and Shameena Riyaz were part of the Indian team that secured the bronze medal in the women's squash team event.

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Congratulating the team on its achievement, the CM said the feat had further enhanced Tamil Nadu's standing in the international sports arena.

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Indian team, which has achieved a historic feat by winning a bronze medal in the women's squash team event at the 20th Asian Games in Japan, and to Tamil Nadu squash players Joshna Chinappa and Shameena Riyaz, who are part of that team," Vijay said in a post on X.

In recognition of their achievement, the state government will provide Rs 30 lakh to each player, he said.

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The CM said their success resulted from perseverance, talent and self-confidence, and described them as role models for aspiring sportspersons in Tamil Nadu.

"Their success will serve as an excellent inspiration for young men and women striving to achieve greatness. My best wishes for them to secure many more such laurels in the future and elevate the pride of Tamil Nadu and India on the global stage," he said.

The cash incentive is part of the state government's policy of rewarding athletes from Tamil Nadu who win medals at national and international competitions.

Both Joshna Chinappa and Shameena Riyaz are from Chennai. They represented India at the Asian Games and were recognised by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu for their medal-winning performance.