India‘s women’s cricket team added another major achievement to their recent record by winning the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. India defeated Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the women’s T20 final to successfully defend the title they had won at the 2022 Hangzhou Games.

Following the triumph, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced a big cash award for young cricketer G Kamalini, who hails from Madurai and was part of India’s gold-medal-winning squad.

C Joseph Vijay announces big reward for G Kamalini

Recognising Kamalini’s contribution to the Indian team, the Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announced the cash prize of INR 75 lakh on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government. The Chief Minister congratulated the entire Indian women’s team while specifically highlighting the achievement of the young cricketer from Madurai. He also said that the state government would continue supporting talented sportspersons and described Kamalini’s success as a source of inspiration for the youth and women of Tamil Nadu.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to the Indian women’s team, who have achieved a historic feat by winning the gold medal in the women’s cricket category at the 20th Asian Games currently taking place in Japan, and to the sportswoman Kamalini from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, who is a member of that team. 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. The Government of Tamil Nadu will always stand as firm support for all talented sportspersons like her. This victory of Kamalini will provide new inspiration and confidence to the youth and women of Tamil Nadu. I wish her many more achievements!,” wrote Vijay on X.

ஜப்பானில் நடைபெற்றுவரும் 20-வது ஆசிய விளையாட்டுப் போட்டியில், மகளிர் கிரிக்கெட் பிரிவில் தங்கப் பதக்கம் வென்று சாதனை படைத்துள்ள இந்திய மகளிர் அணிக்கும், அவ்வணியில் இடம்பெற்றுள்ள தமிழ்நாட்டின், மதுரையைச் சேர்ந்த வீராங்கனை கமலினி அவர்களுக்கும் எனது மனமார்ந்த வாழ்த்துகளையும்,… pic.twitter.com/4OhPB8ab1r

— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) September 22, 2026

The award marks another significant recognition for Kamalini, who has already been involved in India’s international cricket set-up despite being at an early stage of her career.

Also READ: Fans go gaga as India beat Sri Lanka to win gold medal in Women’s Asian Games 2026

India retain Asian Games Gold with dominant final win

India entered the 2026 Asian Games as defending champions and once again produced a strong campaign. They began with an eight-wicket victory over Japan before overcoming Bangladesh by 114 runs in the semi-final. Against Bangladesh, India posted 195 for four, with Shafali Verma becoming the third Indian woman to register a T20I century. The Indian bowlers subsequently dismissed Bangladesh for 81 to secure a place in the final.

Kamalini had limited opportunities with the bat during the tournament. She scored three runs from 10 deliveries against Bangladesh after being dismissed for a two-ball duck against Japan. The final, however, belonged to India’s senior batting stars. India amassed 216 for three, with Smriti Mandhana leading the charge with 79 from 45 balls. Shafali contributed 48, while Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on 49 from only 22 deliveries.

India’s bowlers completed the job after the imposing batting performance, bowling Sri Lanka out for just 69. Deepti Sharma claimed three wickets, while Shafali, Sree Charani and Shreyanka Patil also played important roles as India secured a commanding 147-run victory. For Kamalini, the Asian Games gold medal adds another notable milestone to a rapidly developing career. The Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter had also made an impact during the Women’s Asia Cup earlier in September, scoring an unbeaten 15 from just five balls against Sri Lanka.

With India retaining the Asian Games title and Kamalini receiving a INR 75 lakh reward from the Tamil Nadu government, the young cricketer’s growing profile has received another significant boost.

Also READ: Smriti Mandhana achieves special milestone during India’s gold-clinching win over Sri Lanka in Women’s Asian Games 2026 Final

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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