Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay felicitated the State’s Asian Games medallists and members of the Indian chess teams that won honours at the Samarkand Chess Olympiad, during a grand ceremony organised by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) at Hotel Leela Palace on Thursday evening.

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Wearing his trademark black blazer over a crisp white shirt and blue trousers, the actor‑turned‑Chief Minister arrived to a warm reception. The event celebrated athletes including Vithya Ramraj, who received accolades for her outstanding performance at the Games.

The felicitation ceremony quickly turned into a fan moment, as families of the sportspersons and attendees eagerly surrounded the Chief Minister for selfies. Even those who came on stage to collect awards ensured they captured their moment with Vijay, reflecting his immense popularity beyond politics.

In his address, Vijay praised the athletes for bringing glory to Tamil Nadu and India, highlighting their dedication and hard work. He reiterated the State’s commitment to supporting sports infrastructure and nurturing talent to achieve global success.

The evening blended recognition of sporting excellence with the charisma of a leader who continues to inspire both athletes and the public.