TN CM honours Santi

Chennai, Dec 18 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu Government today felicitated Doha Silver Medallist Santi Soundarajan with a cash award of Rs 15 lakh amid controversy over her losing the medal after having reportedly failed a gender test.

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today handed over the cheque to Shanthi at the Secretariat here.

Mr Karunanidhi also presented a colour TV to Santhi following reports that her parents, hailing from Kathakkurichi Village in Pudukkottai District, could not watch their daughter winning the silver medal as they did not have one.

Indian GM Sasikiran Krishnan, Long Jumper Anju George and Squash Player Saurav Ghoshal were also presented Rs 20 lakh, Rs 15 lakh and Rs ten lakh respectively for winning gold, silver and bronze at the Asiad.

State Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister T P M Moideen Khan, Sports Secretary Ambedkar Rajkumar and SDAT Member-Secretary Apoorva were present during the function.

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