Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has announced a ₹75 lakh cash award for young cricketer G. Kamalini after she was part of the Indian women’s cricket team that won gold at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Vijay congratulated the Indian team and gave special recognition to the youngster from Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
India defeated Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the women’s T20 final at Korogi Sports Park. India posted 216/3 before bowling Sri Lanka out for 69 to win the gold medal. The victory also helped India retain the women’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games.
Kamalini was part of the Indian squad during the team’s successful campaign. Vijay’s ₹75 lakh reward recognised her contribution to the gold medal-winning team. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister announced the cash award on behalf of the state government after India’s title-winning campaign.
Vijay wrote, “Appreciating the great achievement of cricketer Kamalini, on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu, a prestigious cash award of Rs 75 lakhs will be given.” He also praised the impact of her achievement, writing, “This victory of Kamalini will provide new inspiration and confidence to the youth and women of Tamil Nadu. I wish her many more achievements!”
Kamalini did not get a chance to bat in the final, but she featured in India’s wins over Japan and Bangladesh during the Asian Games campaign. She scored three runs from 10 balls <a href="https://cricket.international/rohit-sharma-vs-virat-kohli-who-has-better-record-against-west-indies/” title=”Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli: Who has better record against West Indies?”>against Bangladesh in the semi-final after being dismissed for a two-ball duck against Japan. India beat Japan by eight wickets and Bangladesh by 114 runs before defeating Sri Lanka in the final.
India entered the Asian Games as defending champions after winning gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Games. The team continued in 2026 by beating Japan by eight wickets and Bangladesh by 114 runs before facing Sri Lanka in the final. India scored 216/3 in the title clash and then bowled Sri Lanka out for 69.
The Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter has already achieved several milestones in her young career. Kamalini earlier helped India win the 2024 Women’s U19 Asia Cup and the 2025 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. She also became the youngest player to debut in the Women’s Premier League and made her India debut in December 2025.
Kamalini’s inclusion in the Asian Games squad added another milestone to her growing career. She was part of India’s gold medal-winning team in 2026 after making her mark at the youth level and earning an opportunity in senior cricket. Her latest achievement has brought further attention to the young wicketkeeper-batter from Madurai and her progress in Indian cricket.
The ₹75 lakh reward has also received attention in Tamil Nadu, where Kamalini hails from Madurai. The state government’s decision to honour her has highlighted her growing role in Indian cricket and her journey at the international level. The cricket fraternity and people across Tamil Nadu have welcomed the reward announced for the young cricketer.
Fans also reacted to the recognition on X. Kamalini’s achievement has drawn attention after she became part of India’s successful women’s cricket campaign at the 2026 Asian Games. Her contribution as a squad member was recognised by the Tamil Nadu government following India’s gold medal-winning performance in the tournament.
The reward adds to a memorable year for Kamalini, who continues to build her career after making her India debut. Her Asian Games gold medal and the ₹75 lakh cash award mark another important milestone in her cricket journey after her successful India run this year.
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Source: femalecricket.com
