- Shamser Khalid
MK Stalin Shares Hopes for MS Dhoni to Continue Playing
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, MK Stalin, praised Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni as the “adopted son of Tamil Nadu” during the inauguration of the Tamil Nadu Championship Foundation. The initiative aims to discover more talents like Dhoni in various sports and promote sports through a public-private partnership.
The event was attended by several ministers, including Udayanidhi Stalin and Thangam Tennaras.
Stalin expressed his hope that Dhoni will continue playing for the CSK beyond the IPL 2023 season. He went on to add that he is a fan of the former Indian captain and has been to the Chepauk stadium twice recently to watch him play. Stalin emphasized that Dhoni is a role model for millions of youngsters and coming from a backward family, he has become a national icon due to his hard work.
Chennai Super Kings are currently in second place in the IPL 2023 points table, with 13 points from 11 matches. The Yellow Army has won four IPL titles under Dhoni’s captaincy, and they would love to equal the record currently held by Mumbai Indians at the end of the ongoing campaign.
The Tamil Nadu Champions Foundation has received a total of ₹23.50 crore in contributions within just five days since its pre-launch on May 3, including the Tamil Nadu government's contribution. The foundation aims to produce many Dhonis from Tamil Nadu in all sports, not just cricket.
Udayanidhi Stalin, the sports minister, and CM's son, gave an assurance that he would take all efforts to make the state "a sports power of the Indian subcontinent." He exuded hope that the foundation would identify and nurture talent among the youth in the state.
Dhoni also launched the Tamil Nadu Champion Foundation website during the event. He expressed his happiness and gratitude towards the Tamil Nadu government for recognizing his contribution to Indian cricket and for acknowledging him as their "adopted son."
Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, has been the captain of the Chennai Super Kings since the inception of the IPL in 2008, except for the two years when the team was suspended. He is the most successful captain in the history of the IPL, having won the trophy three times and leading the CSK to the playoffs in every season they have played.
Dhoni's association with the CSK and his love for Chennai and Tamil Nadu is well-known. He has been a part of several initiatives aimed at promoting sports and cricket in the state. Dhoni's popularity and contribution to cricket have earned him a special place in the hearts of cricket fans across the country.
The Tamil Nadu Championship Foundation is a step towards promoting sports and identifying and nurturing talent among the youth of the state. With the government's support and contributions from the public and private sectors, the foundation can make a significant difference in the lives of aspiring athletes and sports enthusiasts in Tamil Nadu.
Chennai Super Kings fans are hopeful that Dhoni will continue playing for the Yellow Army beyond IPL 2023, but the cricketer’s plans are yet to be revealed. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Championship Foundation aims to provide a platform for budding sporting talents across the state, and hopefully, produce many more MS Dhonis.
