Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai, who also serves as President of the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association, attended the annual general meeting at the Circuit House Auditorium in Raipur. The meeting saw the approval of the audit report for the fiscal year 2024-25, along with the presentation and approval of the budget for 2025-26. The appointment of a new auditor and other key issues related to the association were also addressed.
Incentive Boost for Chhattisgarh Olympic Athletes
During the event, Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai announced a significant incentive scheme for athletes representing Chhattisgarh in the Olympics. Under the new plan, athletes will receive Rs. 21 lakh as an incentive. The Chief Minister emphasized the state’s abundant sporting talent and assured that the government is committed to promoting and recognizing these athletes. Additionally, he revealed the revival of the Sports Investiture Ceremony, with an Outstanding Players’ Honors Ceremony scheduled soon to recognize and motivate top performers.
State’s Growing Sports Infrastructure and Support
Mr. Sai highlighted recent efforts to enhance sports infrastructure in Chhattisgarh, mentioning the opening of new sports complexes under the Khelo India initiative. He recalled Union Sports Minister Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya’s visit to the state, where plans for further infrastructure expansion were discussed. Furthermore, the Chief Minister announced prize money for Olympic medal winners from the state: Rs. 3 crore for gold, Rs. 2 crore for silver, and Rs. 1 crore for bronze medalists, aimed at boosting athlete morale and encouraging excellence.
Bastar Olympics Empowering Rural Sports Talent
Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai praised the Bastar Olympics, a state initiative designed to identify and nurture sports talent from remote regions. This event has provided a platform for young athletes from rural areas to showcase their abilities and gain recognition. Mr. Sai also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal for India to host the 2036 Olympic Games, with Ahmedabad as a potential venue, underlining the country’s growing stature in international sports.
Call for National-Level Competitions in Chhattisgarh
Mr. Sai urged stakeholders to collaborate in hosting national-level sporting competitions within Chhattisgarh to further elevate the state’s profile in sports. Cabinet Minister and Federation Vice President Mr. Kedar Kashyap praised the Chief Minister’s vision and credited him for the inception of the Bastar Olympics, which has become a vital initiative in promoting grassroots sports development.
