Jayalalithaa announced 50 lakh each for both the athletes. (Source: Express File Photo)

Lauding the performance of Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa, who won the squash doubles gold at the Commonwealth Games, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today announced a cash award of Rs.50 lakh each to the winners.

In separate identical congratulatory letters to Pallikal and Chinappa, Jayalalithaa said she was delighted to learn of one more triumph in their sporting career, a gold medal in the squash women’s doubles event.

“I understand this is the first time that India has won a Commonwealth Games Gold Medal in squash. Yet again, you have done both the nation and Tamil Nadu proud.

Kindly accept my heartiest congratulations on behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu on your splendid achievement.”

Recalling the enhancement of cash award for sportspersons winning a Commonwealth gold medal to Rs. 50 lakh by her in 2011, she told the winners that each of them will be receiving it.

“I congratulate you and all those who have contributed to your success and wish you many more such laurels on behalf of the country and Tamil Nadu in future.”

DMK President M Karunanidhi also congratulated the duo.