Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai attended the closing ceremony and prize distribution function of the WAKO India National Kickboxing Championship 2025 at the Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur on Sunday evening. The championship brought together over 1,200 athletes and 300 coaches from 28 states, turning the spotlight on Chhattisgarh’s growing stature in India’s sports arena.
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A Proud Moment for the Maternal Land of Lord Shri Ram
Welcoming all participants, Mr. Sai said it was a matter of great honour for Chhattisgarh, the maternal home of Lord Shri Ram and the sacred land of Mata Kaushalya, to host such a prestigious national sporting event. He expressed gratitude to the WAKO India National Kickboxing Federation for selecting Chhattisgarh as the host.
CM Highlights Chhattisgarh’s Natural Wealth and Cultural Identity
In his address, the Chief Minister underscored Chhattisgarh’s unique ecological and cultural character, describing it as a small yet resource-rich state with nearly 44% forest cover, including the dense Abujhmad region. He invited participants to explore the state’s scenic waterfalls, ancient caves, and rich tribal traditions.
He emphasized that Naxalism is on the verge of eradication in the state, in line with Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah’s commitment. The event, he said, symbolised a more peaceful and progressive Chhattisgarh.
Kickboxing: A Symbol of Resilience and Determination
Mr. Sai noted that kickboxing promotes courage and determination among youth and enhances the state’s presence in national sports. He commended the Chhattisgarh Kickboxing Association for its successful organisation of the championship and encouraged all athletes to pursue excellence with passion and discipline. “Victory and defeat are only milestones. The real goal is to discover and sharpen your inner potential,” he added.
Support for Sports and Athletes
Praising Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s Khelo India initiative, the Chief Minister announced that all 33 districts in Chhattisgarh have been brought under its umbrella. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure, upgrading playgrounds, and reviving traditional sports under the Chhattisgarh Sports Promotion Scheme.
He also revealed generous cash awards of Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 3 crore for athletes winning medals in prestigious international events like the Olympics.
MP Emphasizes Importance of Sports for Youth and Women
Member of Parliament Mr. Brijmohan Agrawal, who also addressed the gathering, stressed the importance of kickboxing as a tool of self-defence for girls and encouraged students to adopt sports for physical and mental well-being. He praised the government for its dedicated efforts in developing sports academies and promoting grassroots-level participation.
Punjab Tops Medal Tally; Chhattisgarh Celebrated for National Recognition
In the final medal standings, Punjab emerged as overall champions with 22 gold, 18 silver, and 26 bronze medals. Maharashtra secured second place, followed by Tamil Nadu. Host state Chhattisgarh ranked sixth, winning 8 gold, 13 silver, and 37 bronze medals—a performance that was widely celebrated. The Assam Rifles team was honoured as the Most Disciplined Team.
Also present at the event were WAKO India National Kickboxing Federation President Mr. Santosh Agrawal, Chhattisgarh Kickboxing Association President Mr. Chhagan Mundra, State Minority Commission Chairman Mr. Amarjeet Chhabra, Observer Ms. Renu Pareekh, Mr. Murli Sharma, and hundreds of sports enthusiasts.
