Chennai, April 7 Ten promising young athletes were presented with ₹50,000 each at the Chennai Super Kings-Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists' Association Awards and Scholarships 2026, held with the support of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.
Chess prodigies Tamizh Amudhan (the only under-9 player in the world rated above 2000 Elo), R. Aaranya (Asian youth champion), and S. Dharshini, a 15-year-old footballer from Mannargudi, were among those who benefited.
Present were CSK's Director Rupa Gurunath, CEO Kasi Viswanathan, and India U-19 World Cup-winning captain and CSK batter Ayush Mhatre, along with Olympic gold medallist V Baskaran and table tennis legend Sharath Kamal.
Other notable athletes present included veteran volleyball player M. Ukkrapandian, Indian footballer R. Sandhya, former Tamil Nadu player S. Sharath (BCCI Junior Selection Committee chairman), and former India U-19 captain M. Senthilnathan.
TNCA president T.J. Srinivasaraj, secretary U. Bhagwandas Rao, and Dr R.N. Baba were also present.
Rupa Gurunath praised the TNSJA's efforts and promised to continue CSK's support for talented athletes.
"It's an honour to carry forward my father N. Srinivasan's legacy. He has always supported all sports, not just cricket. I liked what was said earlier that this should not be your (athletes') destination, but a sign that you are on the right path.
"It's humbling to be here and share the stage with these young athletes. I'm happy to be part of this and to continue supporting the association," she said.