Peace Returns to Bastar, and so Does the Enthusiasm for Sports, Where Once People Were Afraid to Step, Today Thousands of Athletes Play There: Chief Minister

Raipur, March 21

“You have all illuminated the name of Chhattisgarh on the national stage with your hard work, talent, and passion. This is not just your victory, but the victory of the entire state. You are the jewels of our state’s sports world. The government will refine and polish you, and will bring you to international platforms. Every possible resource and support will be made available to you,” said Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai while honoring the medal-winning athletes from Chhattisgarh at a National Sports Winners’ Ceremony held at his residence.

At the event, the Chief Minister honored 72 athletes from Chhattisgarh who won medals at the 37th National Games held in Goa in 2023, and 58 athletes who earned medals at the 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand in 2025.

Addressing the athletes, Chief Minister Shri Sai said, “You are all the pride of Chhattisgarh. Not only have you won medals, but you have elevated the dignity of the entire state. You have raised the head of Chhattisgarh with pride.” He further encouraged the athletes to represent Chhattisgarh and India on global platforms like the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Olympics.

In his speech, Chief Minister Shri Sai said, “Today, we feel immense pride in honoring the athletes who triumphed at the National Games in Goa and Uttarakhand. Your spectacular performances have brought glory to Chhattisgarh, and no amount of praise can be enough for you.”

The Chief Minister shared that the state government had rewarded 72 athletes who won medals in Goa with ₹1 Crore 7 Lakh 60 Thousand, and 58 athletes who won in Uttarakhand with ₹87 Lakh 60 Thousand. In total, through this ceremony, ₹1 Crore 95 Lakh 20 Thousand in honorariums were deposited into the bank accounts of 130 national medal-winning athletes from Chhattisgarh.

Special Awards Announced for Olympic Medalists by the Government

Chief Minister Shri Sai also announced that the state government will give special awards to any athletes from the state who win medals at the Olympics. Athletes who win a gold medal at the Olympics will be rewarded with ₹3 Crore, silver medalists with ₹2 Crore, and bronze medalists with ₹1 Crore.

Return of Sports in Bastar, a Symbol of New Hope and Confidence

Chief Minister Shri Sai noted that after years of suffering from Maoist terrorism, peace had returned to Bastar, and with it, sports. The state had organized the Bastar Olympics. He said, “Where people once feared even stepping foot, today thousands of athletes are playing. There was immense enthusiasm, and it is rare in the country to see 1,65,000 participants in a sports event, especially in a region like Bastar, where the population is sparse compared to other places. People who had lost their limbs in Naxalite violence also participated, as did surrendered Naxals and families affected by Naxal violence. This event has greatly raised the hopes of sports lovers in the state.”

Government’s Efforts to Provide Best Sports Infrastructure to Athletes

The Chief Minister emphasized the strength and potential of Chhattisgarh’s athletes. He mentioned that the state is building excellent sports infrastructure. The state has started seven new Khelo India centers and introduced special coaching for different sports. This year, three new academies were inaugurated: a Tennis Academy in Raipur, a Hockey Academy in Rajnandgaon, and a Mallakhamb Academy in Narayanpur.

Traditional Sports Get a New Lease on Life: ₹20 Crore Chhattisgarh Sports Promotion Scheme

Chief Minister Shri Sai also highlighted that Chhattisgarh is known for its traditional sports. To ensure the proper development of these sports, the state government has earmarked ₹20 Crore under the Chhattisgarh Sports Promotion Scheme. The government is committed to promoting sports in the state.

Winning in Sports Requires Skilled Strategy, Mastery in Techniques, and Fitness

The Chief Minister shared that a few days ago, he had witnessed an amazing performance by Mallakhamb players on the hills of Dholkal, a mesmerizing scene. He emphasized that flexibility is crucial for Mallakhamb and all other sports, which comes from fitness. “Winning in sports requires a skilled strategy, mastery of techniques, and a high level of fitness. Prime Minister Modi has launched the Fit India Movement, and success in sports can certainly be achieved through fitness. Staying fit leads to a healthy lifestyle, which brings success in everything you do.”

On this occasion, the Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, Shri Tankram Verma, encouraged the athletes, stating that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the Chhattisgarh government is committed to promoting sports. He emphasized that the state has immense sporting talent among its youth, and identifying and nurturing this talent is a priority.

Also present at the event were Secretary of the Sports Department, Shri Himshikhar Gupta; Director, Mrs. Tanuja Salam; and Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association, Shri Vikram Sisodia.