Almost out of nowhere, Chennai Super Kings star batter Shivam Dube has promised to donate a total of Rs 700,000 to 10 budding sports talents from Tamil Nadu, each for Rs 70,000. Dube made this announcement on Tuesday at the Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists’ Association (TNSJA) Awards and Scholarship program. 

Later, CSK management emphasized that Chennai Super Kings is not only eager to promote cricket but also will continue to support other sports events. 

Before announcing his major announcement, Dube said from the program stage, "This event is truly encouraging for all the young athletes. These small achievements provide them with the extra motivation to strive harder and bring pride to the nation. I am very grateful for the invitation. While I have witnessed such initiatives in Mumbai, I am not certain about other states."

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Followed by, "I will certainly advocate for similar programs elsewhere. This Rs. 30,000 may seem like a small amount, but it serves as encouragement. When you are young, every penny and every award truly matters."

Ten recognized state-talented sportspeople who will receive the amount as per the announcement are PB Abhinandh (table tennis), KS Vhenisa Sree (archery), Muthumeena Vellasami (para athletics), Shameena Riaz (squash), S Nandhana (cricket), Kamali P (surfing), R Abinaya (athletics), RC Jithin Arjunan (athletics), A Takkshanth (chess), and Jayant RK (cricket). 

A GREAT GESTURE BY SHIVAM DUBE 💛

- Dube has promised to give 70,000 RS to each 10 Athletes from Tamil Nadu for the next generation of Indian Sportspersons. pic.twitter.com/X7rU9djr2K

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 22, 2025

CSK management vows to support other sports as well

CSK managing director and CEO K.S. Viswanathan said about his initiative, "I want to confirm that CSK is committed to helping and promoting not only cricket but also other sports. I will pass on Baskaran’s request to N. Srinivasan."