Tamil Nadu’s hearing-impaired athletes have expressed their frustration over the state government’s failure to recognize their achievements following their success at the 10th Asia-Pacific Deaf and Deaf Athletics Championships in Malaysia.
The championship, held from December 1 to 8, 2024, saw 21 countries competing, with India emerging as the overall winner. Tamil Nadu athletes contributed significantly to this achievement, securing six gold, six silver, and four bronze medals.
Among the medalists were Priyanka, Subhasree, Harini, Sameeha Parvin, Manikandan, Rakkappan, Vineeth, Sudhan, Karthik, Shanthanu Ravi, and Yashin, representing districts such as Chennai, Kanyakumari, Cuddalore, Salem, Erode, Trichy, Theni, and Villupuram.
Despite their success, the athletes expressed disappointment that the Tamil Nadu government had not offered any recognition or congratulations for their victories. They emphasized that their accomplishments, both nationally and internationally, had gone unnoticed, which they found disheartening.
The athletes also raised concerns about the lack of financial incentives, pointing out that they were not given the same benefits as other national-level athletes. Many of them come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and have relied on their families’ earnings from wage labor to support their training. They shared that they have been trying to meet the Sports Minister for assistance but have been unsuccessful in their efforts.
In response, Meganatha Reddy, Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority, stated that the Tamil Nadu government had covered the expenses for the athletes’ trip to the competition. He explained that the athletes had not yet received their official certificates, and once they did, the government would provide them with a high incentive. Reddy also mentioned that the athletes had not approached the authorities for assistance yet.
The athletes are awaiting the promised recognition and support, with many hoping for a resolution to their concerns.
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
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