Chennai, May 19 (IANS) A major push to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s sports ecosystem is on the cards, with the new government planning a series of measures aimed at improving infrastructure, athlete welfare, and talent identification across districts in the state.

An official review meeting chaired by Tamil Nadu Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday, with senior officials of the Sports Department in attendance.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, the Minister said Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has been implementing long-term vision projects keeping in mind the future needs of the state, and the sports sector forms an important part of that roadmap.

According to the Minister, detailed discussions were held on infrastructure projects planned for 2026-27, implementation of the three per cent reservation for sports persons in government jobs, enhancement of incentives for medal winners in national and international events, upgrading sports hostels and expanding financial assistance schemes for athletes.

Special attention is also being given to identifying talented school students from economically weaker backgrounds, he said.

“As part of this effort, the government is setting up a talent research wing to identify promising athletes purely on merit, without recommendations or external influence,” the Minister said.

The meeting also stressed the need to ensure that athletes receive essential sports equipment, including shoes and training gear, without delay.

“Financial constraints should not become a barrier for sports persons to achieve excellence, and the government is working on mechanisms to support athletes more effectively,” Aadhav Arjuna said.

In a significant move, the Minister announced that steps are being taken to integrate the functioning of sports associations through an online platform in coordination with the Sports Department and athletes.

He further said that, following directions from the Chief Minister, he would undertake field inspections across all districts to review sports infrastructure and identify facilities requiring improvement.

Earlier in the day, the Minister interacted with athletes attending selection trials at the stadium and inspected facilities, including the para-athletes’ specialised fitness centre, table tennis arena, weightlifting unit and shooting ranges.

Senior officials, including Youth Welfare and Sports Development Secretary S. J. R. Chauhan and Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority Member Secretary J. Meganath Reddy, attended the meeting.

–ANS

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