CM Vijay announces cash award for Para Asian Games bronze medalists Jehan, Sahana

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday announced a cash incentive of Rs 30 crore for para table tennis players Jehan Dorab Madan and Baby Sahana Ravi after they won bronze medals at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Congratulating both the athletes for bringing pride to Tamil Nadu and India, Vijay announced the awards in separate posts on social media platform X. The move follows the state government’s efforts to reward athletes for their performances in major international competitions.

In his message to Jehan, Vijay praised the athlete for winning the bronze in the men’s singles table tennis event and said the cash incentive was given in recognition of his achievement. He added that the win would inspire and motivate the young para-athletes in Tamil Nadu while wishing Jehan success in the future. Screengrab from X/@CMOTamilNadu

In a separate post, the Chief Minister congratulated Sahana for winning a bronze medal in Class 9 women’s singles. He described her as a dedicated sportsperson and said her success would provide fresh inspiration to young para-athletes in the state.

“Sportswoman Baby Sahana Ravi has achieved this feat through her hard work and determination,” said Vijay, wishing her more victories and more success in bringing pride to Tamil Nadu and India. Screengrab from X/@CMOTamilNadu

SAHANA MAKES HISTORY

Sahana’s bronze was significant beyond the medal itself. She became one of the first Indian para table tennis players to win a medal in the standing category at the Asian Para Games, along with compatriot Prachi Pandey.

Sahana, representing Tamil Nadu, lost to five-time Paralympic gold medalist Mao Jingdian of China in the Class 9 women’s singles semifinals. She went down 8-11, 2-11, 4-11 but secured bronze by reaching the last four.

Prachi also bagged a bronze in the women’s 6 category, marking another breakthrough for Indian players in the permanent category at the continental competition. India’s overall performance in table tennis surpassed its previous year’s performance where the country won two bronze medals.

JEHAN CLAIM TO BRONZE

Jehan Madan secured bronze in Men’s Class 1 Singles. The Class 1 category is for wheelchair athletes with severe disabilities affecting sitting balance and playing arm.

His medal contributed to India’s success in table tennis in Japan, where several Indian players reached the semi-finals in various classifications.

With incentives of Rs 30 lakh each for Jehan and Sahana, the Tamil Nadu government recognized the achievements of the two athletes who helped deliver a remarkable campaign for Indian Para Table Tennis at the Asian Para Games.

– The end