Chief Minister Unveils ‘Hill Myna’ Mascot for National Kayaking and Canoeing Championship

Raipur Set to Host Major National Water Sports Event; Providing Better Platforms for Sporting Talent Is Government’s Priority, Says Chief Minister Sai

Raipur, June 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today unveiled the mascot, ‘Pahari Maina’ (Hill Myna), for the 36th National Sub-Junior and Junior Kayaking and Canoeing Championship at his official residence in Raipur.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister extended his best wishes to the organizers for the successful conduct of the championship and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting sports and providing athletes with better opportunities to excel.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sai said that sports are not merely a medium of competition but also a powerful tool for developing discipline, leadership qualities, and overall personality. He emphasized that the government is continuously working to strengthen sports infrastructure across the state while creating opportunities for athletes to showcase their talent at national and international levels.

“The development of sports and the promotion of sporting talent remain among the government’s top priorities. We are committed to creating an environment where young athletes can realize their full potential and bring glory to the state and the nation,” he said.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that hosting the national championship would inspire a new generation of sportspersons in Chhattisgarh and further strengthen the state’s growing reputation in the field of sports.

The 36th National Sub-Junior and Junior Kayaking and Canoeing Championship is being organized by the Chhattisgarh State Kayaking and Canoeing Association under the joint aegis of the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association and the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association.

The prestigious championship will be held from June 12 to June 14, 2026, at Sendh Lake in Nava Raipur, bringing together young paddlers from across the country to compete in various kayaking and canoeing events.

Kayaking and canoeing is an Olympic sport that has gained increasing popularity in India. Athletes from Chhattisgarh have performed impressively at the national level in recent years, winning numerous medals and contributing to the state’s sporting achievements.

Hosting a national-level competition of this stature in Raipur is being viewed as a significant milestone in Chhattisgarh’s sporting history. The event is expected to provide local athletes with valuable exposure and an opportunity to compete alongside some of the country’s best young talents.

The unveiling of the mascot also symbolizes the state’s efforts to promote awareness and enthusiasm for water sports. The Hill Myna, the state bird of Chhattisgarh, has been chosen as the mascot to reflect the region’s rich natural heritage and cultural identity.

Several dignitaries associated with sports administration attended the event. Among them were Vikram Sisodia, General Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association, and Prashant Singh Raghuvanshi, Joint Secretary of the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Federation and the Chhattisgarh State Kayaking and Canoeing Association. Other office-bearers of the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association were also present.

The championship is expected to transform Raipur into a hub of national water sports activity and provide an important platform for emerging athletes to demonstrate their skills. Officials believe the event will contribute significantly to the promotion of kayaking and canoeing while enhancing Chhattisgarh’s standing as a host for major national sporting events.