Kerala must learn from Tamil Nadu’s example in honoring medal-winning athletes

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala could take a lesson from neighboring Tamil Nadu when it comes to recognizing and retaining athletes who bring international glory to the state. Recently, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister M K Stalin warmly welcomed the state's Chess Olympiad medalists, who returned from Hungary and presented each player with a cash award of Rs 25 lakh.

In contrast, Kerala’s Olympic hockey star PR Sreejesh faced an unfortunate reception after his triumph in the Olympics. Despite an invitation to a scheduled event, Sreejesh was humiliated and sent back due to a disagreement among state ministers. Rs 2 crore cash award announced in his honor has yet to be paid. While the other players on India’s hockey team have already received their respective state awards, Sreejesh continues to wait.

On the very day the Chess Olympiad players returned from Hungary, Tamil Nadu honored its native talents. R Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh and Vaishali were each awarded Rs 25 lakh, while non-playing captain Srinath Narayanan received Rs 15 lakh. The Tamil Nadu government wasted no time in recognizing their achievements, even extending approval to honor athletes who competed in the Paris Olympics upon their return.

In contrast, Kerala has been slow to honor its sporting heroes. Sports Minister Abdur Rahman, when questioned by the media about Kerala’s lack of action, announced that Sreejesh would be welcomed with a reception on October 19. However, the decision only came after media pressure and details regarding the venue and arrangements are yet to be finalized. The people of Kerala hope the reception will offer an opportunity to publicly apologize for the previous oversight and extend the honor Sreejesh deserves.

Sreejesh returned home from the Olympics on August 16. The Kerala Public Education Department, where Sreejesh is employed, had scheduled a reception for August 26 at the Jimmy George Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. However, due to dissatisfaction expressed by the Sports Minister and a recommendation from the Chief Minister, the event was postponed. Sreejesh, who had arrived in Thiruvananthapuram with his family, returned home feeling insulted and humiliated.