753 Players Participate in Residential Sports Academy Selection Trials

Raipur, May 2026: A total of 753 players took part in the selection trials for admission to the Residential Sports Academy operated by the state’s Department of Sports and Youth Welfare.

The selection trials were held over four days, from April 28 to May 1, at Swami Vivekananda Stadium in Kota, Raipur, and Pitch-2 of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium. On the final day of the trials, players showcased their skills in hockey and athletics.

During the four-day event, participants competed across five disciplines—hockey, athletics, football, archery, and weightlifting. Out of the total 753 participants, 284 competed in hockey, 95 in archery, 89 in football, 256 in athletics, and 29 in weightlifting, including both boys and girls.

The selection of players for the academy will be based on their motor ability and sports skills. The final list of selected candidates will be announced after document verification, medical examination, physical fitness tests, and evaluation of their sporting performance.

Selected players will receive free training at residential sports complexes run by the state government’s Department of Sports and Youth Welfare. They will also be provided with essential facilities such as free accommodation, meals, educational expenses, sports uniforms, playing kits, and accident insurance.

Additionally, all players who participated in the selection trials were provided with free meals, accommodation, medical support, and other necessary facilities by the department during the event.