TN Sports Journalists Association recognizes 10 future sports stars

The Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists Association (TNSJA) presented 10 young sports persons with Rs. 50000 each at the Chennai Super Kings-Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists’ Association Awards held with the support of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Tuesday, 07 April 2026. 

The ten budding sportspersons who were rewarded are 
1. S.Tamil Amudhan, a Chess Prodigy, the only Under 9 Player in the word with a rating more than 2000 Elo

2. R. Aaranya, a Chess  Prodigy who had secured No 1 National Rank & No 11 International Ranking in Under 8 category. 

3. Shashaank Saravanakumar, a para cycling player who has won a silver medal at National Level

4.T. Dharanidharan, 18 year old javelin thrower who clinched bronze medals in 2025 & 2026 Naionals

5. S. Dharshini, a rising 15-year-old football player known for her prolific scoring in youth football

6. Shriya Anand, a table tennis player who won bronze medal in 38th National Singles

7. D.Sowmiya, a 16 year old volleyball player selected as player of tournament in 46th Junior Nationals

8. P. Harish (surfing), a 9 year old who was best finisher in Asian Surfing Championships 2025 

9. S.Asrankha, TN under 15 cricketer who was leading TN wicket taker in U15 Girls Nationals

10. B.K. Kishore, a TN & Indian U19 cricketer with a lot of laurels.


The awards were presented by sporting legends namely CSK’s Wholetime Director Rupa Gurunath, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, India U-19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre, Olympic gold medallist V. Baskaran, Table Tennis legend Sharath Kamal, veteran volleyball player M.Ukkrapandian, Indian footballer R. Sandhya, swimmer A.V.Jayaveena, former TN cricket legends S. Sharath and M. Senthilnathan. The function was honoured by the presence of TNCA president T.J. Srinivasaraj, TNCA secretary U. Bhagwandas Rao and Dr R.N. Baba. 

Hailing the TNSJA’s efforts, Ms.Rupa Gurunath promised to continue CSK’s support for talented sportspersons. She mentioned that it was an honour to carry forward this legacy of her father Mr.N. Srinivasan. She mentioned that he always supported all sports and not just cricket. She mentioned that this award should not be the destination for the winners but a sign that they are on the right path. CSK CEO Viswanathan added that CSK was contributing to a cause that is good for all sports. Ayush Mhatre
Mhatre wished the award recipients the very best. He mentioned that he also began my cricketing
journey at a young age and could understand how this scholarship can motivate young people. He conveyed his appreciations to TNSJA and wished more success to the recipients.  

Hockey legend Mr.Baskaran was also full of praise, but he had a request. He wanted TNSJA to make the event much bigger to recognise more young talents from more sports. He appreciated TNSJA for wonderfully selecting these champions and wished all the young sportspersons a long and lovely journey in their sports career. 

Olympian Mr.Sharath Kamal urged the young awardees to aim higher. He said it was a fantastic event and even more nice to meet our fellow young superstars in various sports. He applauded TNSJA and the scholarship which he believed would give them the right motivation to go ahead. 

Ms.Jayaveena, a former scholarship recipient herself spoke about the profound impact it had on her early sporting journey. She mentioned that she deeply values the scholarship and it meant a lot to her at that point of time. She left the young athletes with an impactful piece of advice that it is a very humble beginning and that they should ensure that they fuels the hunger, discipline, and passion for sport. 

The recepients were very happy to receive such a prestigious award whch would motivate them to keep pushing their limits to achieve their goals. Mr.S.Dipak Ragav, Mr.Swaroop Swaminathan, Ms.Lavanya and other members of TNSJA ensured the function was conducted in a wonderful manner.