Tamil Nadu To Set Up Talent Research Wing To Identify And Train Young Athletes

Tamil Nadu Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna on Tuesday announced the establishment of a “Talent Research Wing” to systematically identify outstanding athletes across the state and strengthen the sports ecosystem through structured support, training, and welfare measures.

The initiative is part of a wider review of sports infrastructure projects planned for the 2026–27 financial year , along with proposals including a 3 per cent job reservation for sportspersons in government departments.

The minister said the proposed Talent Research Wing will focus on identifying sporting talent across Tamil Nadu based purely on merit and performance. He emphasised that the selection process would be designed to remain free from external recommendations or influence , ensuring transparency and fairness in athlete identification.

Arjuna also announced plans to introduce enhanced incentive schemes for athletes who secure medals in national and international competitions. The aim, he said, is to further motivate sportspersons and improve performance standards at higher levels of competition.

As part of infrastructure development, the Sports Department will upgrade facilities in sports hostels across the state. The government also plans to strengthen financial assistance schemes to support athletes, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds, to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder their progress.

The minister further directed that athletes, both male and female, must be provided with basic necessities , including essential sports equipment such as footwear. He said the government is committed to ensuring that lack of resources does not become a barrier for talented individuals striving for excellence in sports.

Arjuna also highlighted a focused initiative to identify school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who show exceptional performance in sports. These students will be given specialised training through the Sports Development Department to help them develop into elite athletes.

Officials said the overall initiative is aimed at building a strong pipeline of sporting talent by combining early identification, structured coaching, financial support, and improved infrastructure under a unified development framework.