No Shortage of Talent in Chhattisgarh

Sukhdev Wins Gold Medal at International Para Athletics Championship

Raipur : Talented athletes from Chhattisgarh are making the state proud at national and international sporting platforms. With comprehensive support from the state government—including sports training, infrastructure, and incentive schemes—players are being empowered to showcase their talent both in India and abroad.

A moment of pride has emerged from the sports world for Mahasamund district. Sukhdev, a former student of Fortune Blind Higher Secondary School, run by the Fortune Foundation at Karmapatpar, Bagbahara Khurd, has won a gold medal at the 7th Open Para Athletics International Championship 2025, bringing honor to the entire state. Held at the Kantirava Athletics Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka, from July 11 to 12, Sukhdev completed the 1500-meter race in just 4.36 minutes, securing the top spot.

Notably, visually impaired Sukhdev achieved this milestone through dedicated training under the guidance of coach Mr. Niranjan Sahu at the Fortune Foundation. He is currently undergoing regular training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Bengaluru. Sukhdev has previously won a gold medal in the 400-meter race at the Khelo India Para Games 2025 in New Delhi and another gold in the 1500-meter race at the 23rd National Para Athletics Championship in Chennai. His determination and excellence serve as an inspiration for the youth of Chhattisgarh, especially aspiring para-athletes.

The Chhattisgarh government remains committed to the development of sports and athletes, with a special focus on supporting differently-abled sportspersons. The goal is to provide every athlete with the right platform and opportunities to shine at national and international levels.

On Sukhdev’s achievement, Mahasamund Collector Mr. Vinay Kumar Langeh, District Panchayat CEO Mr. S. Alok, Deputy Director of Social Welfare Sangeeta Singh, Sports and Youth Welfare Officer Manoj Dhritlahare, District Education Officer Vijay Lahare, along with coach Niranjan Sahu and officials from the Para Sports Association, congratulated him and wished him continued success.

Sukhdev’s journey proves that with dedication and hard work, no challenge is too great—and that Chhattisgarh is rich in untapped talent. His success is sure to motivate many more differently-abled athletes in the district to pursue excellence in sports.