In a press release today, the Tamil Nadu government recalled that Ms Jayalalithaa had in the year 1992 merged the Department of Sports and Youth Services and the Tamil Nadu State Sports Development Corporation and formed the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority - to induce the interest of sports in the minds of the youth. Apart from encouraging talented sportsperson, to motivate them to win medals in International events, the Chief Minister had on the 6th of September last doubled the incentive being given to sportsperson who won medals at International level.

The press release further recalled that the Chief Minister had sent an appreciation letter to Viswanthan Anand who had won the World Chess Championship title for the 5th time, by winning the World Chess Championship competition held in Russian Capital Moscow last month. Ms Jayalalithaa had in her letter wished Anand to retain the title for many more years. Further, the Chief Minister had on the 1st of this month announced 2 crore rupees cash reward on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government to honour Anand.

Against this backdrop, Ms Jayalalithaa today presented the cheque for 2 crore rupees to Vishwanathan Anand at the state secretariat in Chennai.

Anand thanked Ms Jayalalithaa for the gesture. He also thanked and appreciated the Tamil Nadu government for taking steps to encourage the student community in playing chess.