CM Sai Makes Major Announcement – ₹21 Lakh Incentive for Chhattisgarh Participants in the Olympics

Raipur, 26 September

Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai today attended the Annual General Meeting of the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association held at the Circuit House auditorium in the state capital, Raipur. During the meeting, key discussions were held on the approval of the audit report for 2024–25, presentation and approval of the annual budget for 2025–26, appointment of the auditor for 2025–26, and other important agendas.

While addressing the gathering as the President of the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association, Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai made a major announcement. He declared that participants from Chhattisgarh representing India at the Olympics will receive an incentive of ₹21 lakh.

Mr. Sai stated that Chhattisgarh is rich in sporting talent, and the government is making continuous efforts to identify and nurture these talents. He mentioned that the previously discontinued Sports Award Ceremony has been resumed, and soon, an “Outstanding Athlete Award Ceremony” will also be launched.

He further shared that new Khelo India facilities have been initiated in Chhattisgarh. A few months ago, Union Sports Minister Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya visited the state, during which extensive discussions on the expansion of sports infrastructure took place. Mr. Sai emphasized that special preparations have been made to encourage Olympic-level athletes, and the state government has decided to award:

₹3 crore for Olympic gold medalists,

₹2 crore for silver medalists, and

₹1 crore for bronze medalists from Chhattisgarh.

He said this step will naturally boost athletes’ morale and motivation.

Mr. Sai also noted that the state government aims to increase the sports budget and encourage corporate sector participation in the development of sports.

He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed India as a host for the 2036 Olympic Games, with Ahmedabad being the proposed host city. He said the central government is focused on strengthening the sports ecosystem in the country, aiming to establish India as a sports superpower within the next decade. In line with this, Chhattisgarh must also make collective efforts to host national-level sports events.

Minister Kedar Kashyap Highlights Bastar Olympics

Cabinet Minister and Vice President of the Association Mr. Kedar Kashyap also addressed the event, stating that under the leadership of CM Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai, initiatives like the Bastar Olympics have been launched. These competitions have provided a golden platform for sports talent from remote tribal regions.

On this occasion, the Secretary’s report was presented by General Secretary Mr. Vikram Sisodia. The event was attended by Vice Presidents Mr. Himanshu Dwivedi and Mr. Gajraj Pagaria, Treasurer Mr. Sanjay Mishra, and a large number of office bearers and members from various sports associations.