CSK`s Shivam Dube donates Rs 7 lakh to support young athletes in Tamil Nadu

India all-rounder and Chennai Super Kings star Shivam Dube made a heartfelt contribution on Tuesday, pledging Rs 70,000 each to 10 promising athletes from Tamil Nadu. The generous gesture was made during the Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists` Association’s (TNSJA) annual awards and scholarship ceremony held in Chennai.

Dube, who was the chief guest at the event, decided to extend his personal support to young sporting talent after learning about the initiative while en route to the venue.

“When I was travelling from the team hotel to this venue, Dr Baba (TNCA secretary), told me that it was an effort to help some of the youngsters over here. So, this is truly encouraging for all the young athletes,” he said at the ceremony, which was also attended by Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan.

Dube’s contribution came in addition to the Rs 30,000 scholarship already being provided by the TNSJA to each athlete. A member of India’s T20 World Cup 2024 winning squad, Dube emphasised that such recognitions, no matter how modest, can have a powerful impact on the aspirations of emerging athletes.

“These small things provide them with the extra motivation to strive harder and bring pride to the nation. I have witnessed such initiatives in Mumbai, but I am not certain about other states. I will certainly tell other states also to initiate such programmes,” he added.

Dube went on to highlight the value of these scholarships, particularly for young athletes at the beginning of their journey. “This Rs 30,000 may seem like a small amount, but it serves as encouragement. When you are young, every penny and every award truly matters,” he remarked.

The event saw scholarships awarded to a diverse group of talented athletes representing a wide range of sports. The beneficiaries included PB Abhinandh (table tennis), KS Vhenisa Sree (archery), Muthumeena Vellasami (para athletics), Shameena Riaz (squash), Jayant RK and S Nandhana (both cricket), Kamali P (surfing), R Abinaya and RC Jithin Arjunan (both athletics), and A Takkshanth (chess).