CM Sai Encourages Labourer’s Daughter, Rising Badminton Star Ritika, to Chase Olympic Dreams

Ritika Dhruv, the badminton player daughter of a labourer father from Dhamtari, had never imagined that her passion for the game would one day bring her face to face with the Chief Minister. Today, when Ritika saw the affectionate face of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai in a video call on her mobile, she could not believe that she was talking to the head of the state.

While talking to Ritika, Chief Minister Shri Sai appreciated her badminton skills and encouraged her. The Chief Minister said that you should continue to improve your badminton skills in this way. Move ahead and bring pride to the entire Chhattisgarh along with your parents. We are with you, we will provide you with whatever help and facilities you need for badminton. Ritika’s face lit up after hearing this from the Chief Minister.

Chief Minister Shri Sai talked to Ritika in a very friendly manner on video call and got to know about her background. Ritika told that her father works as a labourer for a living and her mother is an Anganwadi assistant. She was interested in badminton since childhood. With time, this hobby of hers turned into passion and she became completely dedicated to this game. But the financial condition of the family was not such that she could hone her talent for big level tournaments. The Chief Minister praised Ritika a lot for her excellent performance in badminton despite the struggles.

Ritika told Chief Minister Shri Sai on video call that she has participated in Khelo-India University Level Games in Bangalore and recently in the National Tournament in Odisha. She wants to play at national-international level in future and wants to bring glory to the country by winning a medal in Olympics. Chief Minister Shri Sai told Ritika that your dream of Olympics will also be fulfilled. Apart from being the Chief Minister, he is also the President of the State Olympic Association. Daughters of Chhattisgarh like you who are performing brilliantly in their sports will get full support of the government.

Ritika told the Chief Minister that she is currently pursuing her final year of BA. Chief Minister Shri Sai encouraged Ritika to pursue her studies along with sports with full dedication. He blessed her and wished her a bright future. Ritika’s face lit up with a smile of happiness after talking to the Chief Minister.

It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Shri Sai is constantly taking necessary steps to promote the sports talent of the state. His endeavour is that along with building a strong sports infrastructure in the state, the talent here should get full opportunity to progress. In this sequence, Chief Minister Shri Sai had recently called Chhattisgarh mountaineer Nisha to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro and assured her of full help. Today, when the Chief Minister came to know about Ritika’s struggle and her badminton talent, he encouraged the girl on video call.