I went to Chepauk twice to see MS Dhoni’s batsman: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Monday praised cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni and said he is the adopted son of Tamil Nadu. “Like everyone in Tamil Nadu, I am also a big fan of MS Dhoni. Recently I went twice to Chepauk (cricket stadium) to see Dhoni’s batting. I hope our adopted son from Tamil Nadu will continue to play for CSK,” said the prime minister.
Stalin praised Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his spectacular rise and said that the cricketer, who came from a humble background, became a national icon through his hard work. “He is an inspiration to millions of young people.”
“That’s why he is the ambassador of this unique initiative (TN Championship Foundation). We want to create many more Dhonis from our Tamil Nadu, not just in cricket, but in all sports,” said Stalin.
The CM also launched the Tamil Nadu Championship Foundation, an initiative of the sports department, here Monday said his government wanted to create many Dhonis in cricket and all sports. MS Dhoni launched the logo and portal of the foundation, which is a unique initiative of the sports department. In addition to a theme song, a logo and mascot for the Chief Minister’s trophy were unveiled on the occasion.
The foundation, which will serve as an ideal springboard for sports promotion in the state, is a public-private partnership. A total of €23.50 crore has been received in contribution, including the government’s share, within five days of the pre-launch of the event on May 3, said Youth Welfare and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Responding to a plea from his son and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi, the Chief Minister announced a contribution of €5 lakh from own resources to the foundation.
Earlier, Udhayanidhi assured that he would make every effort to make the state “a sporting power of the Indian subcontinent”. He expressed hope that the foundation would identify and nurture talent among youth in the state.