MORROW, Ga. – The Clayton State Department of Athletics has announced its Hall of Fame dedication wall will now be known as The Lata Mahajan Chinnan Athletics Hall of Fame Wall.
 
Chinnan is a longtime supporter of Clayton State University and currently serves on the Board of Trustees, a role she has held since 2000.
 
"Lata has been a tremendous friend to Clayton State University over the years," Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher said. "Her commitment to serving others and demonstrated leadership throughout our community speaks volumes of the impact she has made on so many.
 
"As a former field hockey star, it's only fitting her name be prominently displayed amongst the best of the best of those who wore the Lakers uniform. We are incredibly grateful for her generous gift and look forward to honoring her and all of our current and future Athletics Hall of Fame members."
 
A native of Ludhiana, Punjab, India, Lata excelled in academics and athletics, primarily in the sport of field hockey. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Government College in Ludhiana and captained her team in 1968.  While playing in college, Lata was the lone science major on the team as all her teammates studied in arts.
 
After graduating, Chinnan turned down medical school to continue her field hockey passion. She enrolled at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana and earned a graduate degree in biochemistry. While at PAU, she captained her hockey team for two seasons.
 
She earned MVP honors following the National Championship game in 1972 and was named captain of the India National Team for an exhibition match in 1974. She continued to play in exhibition matches for the national team across several villages in Punjab and all over India to promote field hockey for girls.
 
Following her graduate studies, Chinnan turned professional and helped captain her team to the championship trophy in the Gold Cup Hockey Tournament.
 
Lata then became a team member for India for the first World Cup for Women held in France in 1974. India placed fourth in the tournament, its highest finish to date. The country would then qualify for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, placing seventh.
 
After moving to the United States, Chinnan was hired as an assistant coach for the women's field hockey team at University of California – Davis. In 1996, she served as an Associate Envoy for the Indian Contingent for the Olympics held in Atlanta.
 
Capping her amazing career in athletics and field hockey, her alma mater, Punjab Agricultural University, inducted her into its Sports Hall of Fame. To date, Chinnan remains the only female to have received this honor.

In 2018, PAU dedicated an athletic field called The Lata Mahajan Chinnan Pavilion. This pavilion stands adjacent to the stadium in Ludhiana named in honor of Olympic hockey legend, Mr. Prithipal Singh.

Chinnan has served on the Board of Advisors for Heritage Bank and is the Foundation Director for the Rotary Club of Lake Spivey / Clayton County. She also served on the Advisory Board for the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce from 2000-19.  
 
She has been awarded the Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award in 2019 and the Presidential Award for Community Service in 2016. In 2001, she was named Businesswoman of the Year by the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce while also receiving the Clayton County Community Service Award in 2013.
 
A formal dedication will take place in the coming months. The Hall of Fame wall will feature a plaque recognizing Chinnan for her gift.
 
_________________________________________________________________________________
Be sure to follow Clayton State Athletics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.