The Chief Minister’s Trophy games for 2026 are under way, and they are the biggest open sports competition in the state. The official site run by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) shows more than 26 lakh registrations across 38 districts, five entry categories and 45 disciplines, with the competition spread over 14 days, according to the CM Trophy 2026 portal. District competitions were under way by September; Tiruvallur’s collector opened that district’s games in a notice published on 10 September, the district administration said.
With competitions already under way, registration for this year is no longer open. If you or your child missed it, this guide explains how the games work so you are ready when the 2027 window opens, usually in mid-year.
Who can enter
The games have five categories, according to the official portal:
- School students
- College students
- General public
- Government employees
- Differently abled persons, with events grouped by type of disability
Each category has its own age limits and list of sports, set in the guidelines published with each year’s registration. Registration is online only, through the SDAT player registration portal at tncmtrophy.sdat.in, and generates a CM Trophy ID for the player. Read the guidelines for the year carefully: rules on how many disciplines one person may enter and on editing an application after submission have been strict.
Help is available on 95140 00777 or sdat@tn.gov.in, the contacts listed on the portal.
Events, rounds and Chennai’s record
The games start with district or zone rounds and finish with state-level competitions, mostly held at SDAT venues in Chennai. The scale has grown fast. The state’s 2023-24 sports policy note records 15 disciplines and 4,57,403 registrations for the 2023 edition, with 3,71,351 taking part at the district level. By 2025, more than 16.28 lakh people took part over 13 days, with a total prize purse of ₹37 crore, The Bridge reported.
Chennai district has topped the medal table three years running. In 2025 it won 109 gold, 90 silver and 82 bronze, ahead of Chengalpattu and Coimbatore. In 2023 its tally was 61 gold, 33 silver and 19 bronze, the 2024-25 policy note says.
Esports became a medal event in 2025. For 2026, the official guidelines list six titles, including BGMI, VALORANT and EA FC 25, with some qualifiers online and others at venues in Chennai and other cities, Outlook Respawn reported on 13 October. The finals venue has not been confirmed on the official site.
Prize money
The most recent official break-up of cash prizes we could find is for the 2023 games, in the 2024-25 policy note. The 2026 amounts may differ, so check the current guidelines.
| Event (2023 edition) | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| District, individual | ₹3,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹1,000 |
| District, doubles | ₹6,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹2,000 |
| State, individual | ₹1,00,000 | ₹75,000 | ₹50,000 |
| State, doubles | ₹1,50,000 | ₹1,12,500 | ₹75,000 |
| State, football or hockey team | ₹9,00,000 | ₹6,75,000 | ₹4,50,000 |
| State, kabaddi, volleyball or basketball team | ₹6,00,000 | ₹4,50,000 | ₹3,00,000 |
Team prizes are shared among the squad. The overall trophy goes to the top three districts on medal points.
How to prepare for next year
- Watch the official portal from around June for the registration notice and guidelines.
- Keep documents ready: proof of age, a school or college ID for student categories, a government employee ID, or a disability certificate, depending on your category.
- Pick one sport carefully, as the rules may limit entries per person.
- Save your CM Trophy ID and check your district’s schedule, which is published separately by each district.
- Plan for the day. In 2025, parents and teachers complained of rushed schedules, shortened matches and too few coordinators at some venues, Dinamalar reported. Arrive early, and make sure children travel with a teacher or parent.
Quick answers
Can I still register for CM Trophy 2026?
No. Registration for 2026 has closed and the competitions are under way. The next window will open for the 2027 games.
Is there an entry fee?
The official portal does not list one. Check the guidelines each year before you register.
Where are the state finals held?
Mostly at SDAT venues in Chennai such as Nehru Stadium and the Nehru Indoor Stadium, though venues vary by sport.
How much prize money can a winner get?
In 2023, a state-level individual gold was worth ₹1 lakh. Check the current year’s guidelines for 2026 amounts.
Information checked against official sources on 18 October 2026. Fees, dates and rules can change; confirm on the linked official pages before acting.
Sources
- CM Trophy 2026 official site (SDAT)
- CM Trophy 2026 player registration portal (SDAT)
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Trophy 2026 inaugurated, Tiruvallur district (District Administration, Tiruvallur)
- Policy Note 2024-25, Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department (Government of Tamil Nadu)
- Policy Note 2023-24, Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department (Government of Tamil Nadu)
- Chennai champions, Chief Minister’s Trophy 2025 (The Bridge)
- Tamil Nadu CM Trophy 2026 to feature six esports games (Outlook Respawn)
- CM Trophy sports events face complaints over organisation and safety (Dinamalar)
