Asian Games 2026 — Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announces Rs. 75 lakh cash reward for Kamalini after Asiad gold

G. Kamalini (left) celebrates winning gold at the 2026 Asian Games, beating Sri Lanka in the final. | Photo Credit: PTI

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced a cash reward of Rs. 75 lakh for Gunalan Kamalini, who was part of the Indian women’s cricket squad that won gold at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan on Tuesday.

Kamalini helped in a run out in the Asiad final and was also part of the squad that beat the Lankans at the Asia Cup final earlier this month, scoring 15 runs in the summit clash.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to the Indian women’s team, who have achieved a historic feat by winning the gold medal in the women’s cricket category at the 20th Asian Games currently taking place in Japan, and to the sportswoman Kamalini from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, who is a member of that team,” Vijay wrote on social media.

“Appreciating the great achievement of cricketer Kamalini, on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu, a prestigious cash award of Rs 75 lakhs will be given.”

Vijay added, “The Government of Tamil Nadu will always stand as firm support for all talented sportspersons like her. This victory of Kamalini will provide new inspiration and confidence to the youth and women of Tamil Nadu. I wish her many more achievements!”

India put up a target of 217 in the Asian Games final at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, with Smriti Mandhana and Shefali Verma scoring a fifty each. In reply, Sri Lanka folded for mere 69, with Deepti Sharma leading the list of wicket-takers, enjoying a spell of two for three.