Context:

• The Tamil Nadu Champions Foundation, under the guidance of the State government, identified and supported Manoj, a para-athlete from Madurai who worked on contract with Tamil Nadu Small Industries Corporation Limited (TANSI).
• With financial assistance from the Foundation, Manoj showcased his talent at international competitions, earning recognition for Tamil Nadu and India.
• He has since been appointed to a permanent government position under the 3% sports quota, exemplifying the State’s commitment to nurturing and securing the future of sporting talent.
• This article highlights how Tamil Nadu has successfully applied the Dravidian Model of governance to transform its sports ecosystem — focusing on inclusivity, scientific training, accountability, and equitable access.

Case Study: Translating the Dravidian Model into Sports Excellence in Tamil Nadu

• The Dravidian Model of governance, rooted in the idea of making public resources accessible to all, has been effectively implemented in Tamil Nadu’s sports sector.
• The State has focused on early talent identification, scientific training, and prompt recognition of achievements.
• Between 2021 and 2025, Tamil Nadu invested ₹1,945 crore in sports — a 143% rise over the previous five years — establishing 28 new sports complexes, Olympic academies, synthetic tracks, hockey turfs, and indoor arenas.
• The Kalaignar Sports Kit Scheme distributed equipment to every panchayat, while accessible para-sports infrastructure is being developed in 11 districts.
• The Result
  • The State’s results are evident: Tamil Nadu produced 34 of India’s 89 Chess Grandmasters, 12 Olympians, and four Paralympic medallists.
  • Its athletes contributed 46 medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games and 15 medals at the Para Asian Games.
  • Athlete support has also expanded dramatically:
    • ELITE scheme beneficiaries rose from 12 to 50,
    • Mission International Medal athletes from 48 to 125, and
    • 200 under-20 talents now receive scholarships under the Champions Development Scheme.
  • Together, these initiatives showcase how Tamil Nadu has converted the Dravidian philosophy into a practical, inclusive, and high-performing sports ecosystem.

A System of Accountability and Inclusive Sports Governance in Tamil Nadu

• A high-level committee of Olympians and sports scientists now oversees athlete selection based on clear, pre-defined performance standards.
• Both able-bodied and para-athletes receive equal support and incentives, ensuring fairness and transparency.
• Enhanced Incentives and Recognition
  • Since 2021, Tamil Nadu has awarded ₹152 crore in cash incentives to 4,617 athletes — four times higher than the previous decade.
  • Medal winners at the Olympics and Paralympics now receive ₹3 crore (gold), ₹2 crore (silver), and ₹1 crore (bronze), disbursed immediately after the event.
• Grassroots Participation and Talent Tracking
  • The Chief Minister’s Trophy Games now cover all districts, including e-sports and traditional games like silambam.
  • Registrations surged from 4.57 lakh in 2023 to 16.28 lakh in 2025, supported by a Games Management System that maintains digital athlete profiles.
  • Each year, around 4,000 athletes are identified through competitions and placed in SDAT hostels, Centres of Excellence, and STAR academies using AI-based talent scouting.
• Reviving the Sports Quota and Expanding Inclusion
  • The 3% sports quota for government jobs has been revitalised — 109 sportspersons have secured employment.
  • Sports initiatives now include rural and women athletes, exemplified by Tamil Nadu’s women winning all four tennis golds at the 2023 Khelo India Games.
• Tamil Nadu as a Global Sports Hub
  • Hosting major international events has positioned Tamil Nadu as a sports tourism destination.
  • Since hosting the 44th Chess Olympiad (2022), Chennai and other cities have welcomed events like the Squash World Cup, Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, World Surf League, Asian Junior Athletics Championships, WTA/ATP tennis events, and India’s first Formula-4 night street race.

Looking Ahead: Building the Future of Sports in Tamil Nadu

• Tamil Nadu has established the Tamil Nadu Centre for Sports Science and developed digital athlete management platforms.
• Coaches are being trained in biomechanics, nutrition, and psychology to enhance performance and scientific training methods.
• The State plans to create a Global Sports City in Chennai, expand sports science facilities, and strengthen para-sports programmes, ensuring inclusivity and world-class infrastructure for all athletes.

Conclusion

• Sports in Tamil Nadu are viewed as instruments of social progress and equality — a continuation of the Dravidian Model’s rationalist and social justice ideals.
• Success, therefore, is defined not only by medals but by the opportunities and joy it brings to children across the State.