Chennai, 26 October (H.S.): Two stellar Kabaddi players from Tamil Nadu, who were instrumental in the Indian teams securing gold medals at the recently concluded Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, received an ecstatic welcome upon their return to the Chennai airport.

The victorious athletes, Karthika from Kannagi Nagar in Chennai and Avinesh from the Vaduvur area near Mannargudi, arrived to a gathering of cheering supporters and officials, celebrating their success on the international stage.

Karthika achieved a particularly notable feat, helping the Indian women's team clinch the gold medal. Her selection for the national team was a significant event for the state, as it marked the return of a Tamil Nadu player to the Indian women's Kabaddi squad after a period of nine years.

In a demonstration of India's dominance in the sport, the women's team crushed Iran with a decisive score of 75–21 in the final match. Similarly, Avinesh played a crucial role for the Indian men's team, which also secured the gold medal by defeating Iran in a closer contest with a score of 35–32.

The Asian Youth Games, which ran from October 19 to 23 and featured 19 types of sports with participation from 45 countries, included the Kabaddi competition for the Under-18 age group. The gold medalists were given a warm reception at the Chennai airport by the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority upon their arrival this afternoon.

Highlighting the state's pride in their achievement, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has already extended his congratulations to Karthika, acknowledging her record-breaking performance and the pride she brought to the state and the nation.

The success of both players marks a significant moment for Kabaddi in Tamil Nadu.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary