A True Sportsperson Sets the Highest Standards in Life: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that a true sportsperson sets the highest standards in life—not just in the arena of sports but also through excellence in other aspects of life. “By this definition, Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan Shri Krishna were also exceptional sportspersons. He said, “Their lives continue to inspire not only athletes but all of us”. CM Dr. Yadav was addressing the ‘Madhya Pradesh Shikhar Khel Alankaran’ and felicitation ceremony for medal winners of the 38th National Games-2025, held at Ravindra Bhavan on Tuesday. 

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting sports and assured that all necessary facilities would be provided to athletes. Madhya Pradesh continues to make remarkable strides in the field of sports. CM Dr. Yadav congratulated and felicitated the winners of the ‘Shikhar Khel Alankaran’ & National Games and joined them for a group photograph to mark the occasion.

Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare Shri Vishwas Kailash Sarang praised the achievements of Madhya Pradesh’s young athletes, stating that they have brought glory not just to the state but to the nation and the world. He expressed hope that MP would secure the top position in the next National Games. He also mentioned that CM Dr. Yadav has taken a proactive step by initiating the construction of a sports stadium in every Assembly constituency.

During the event, CM Dr. Yadav was presented with the trophy won by the state in the National Games. Also present were Olympic Association President Shri Ramesh Mendola, Secretary Shri Digvijay Singh, Principal Secretary Shri Manish Singh and Deputy Secretary Shri Ajay Shrivastava. Sports Director Shri Rakesh Gupta delivered the welcome address and Joint Director Shri B.L. Yadav delivered the vote of thanks.

Vikram Awards

CM Dr. Yadav presented the Vikram Awards to outstanding athletes, along with cheques of Rs. 2 lakh each. The awardees included Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (Shooting)-Khargone, Janhvi Srivastava (Kayaking-Canoeing – Slalom)-Bhopal, Ragini Marko (Archery)-Jabalpur, Shivani Pawar (Wrestling)-Chhindwara, Shruti Yadav (Boxing)-Bhopal, Yamini Maurya (Judo)-Sagar, Sachin Bhargo (Kho-Kho)-Dewas, Neelu Dadia (Hockey)-Mandsaur, Praveen Kumar Dave (Softball)-Indore, Rubina Francis (Shooting – Divyang Category)-Jabalpur and Apoorva Dubey (Powerlifting)-Indore.

Eklavya Awards

Each Eklavya Award recipient was presented with a cheque of Rs. 1 lakh. The awardees included Rituraj Bundela (Shooting)-Tikamgarh, Bhumi Baghel (Kayaking-Canoeing – Slalom)-Maheshwar, Krishna Mishra (Squash)-Indore, Pooja Dangi (Fencing)-Rajgarh, Prabhakar Singh Rajawat (Rowing)-Gwalior, Neha Thakur (Sailing)-Dewas, Prakhar Joshi (Swimming)-Indore, Arjun Vaskale (Athletics)-Khargone, Priyanshi Prajapat (Wrestling)-Ujjain, Ankit Pal (Hockey)-Gwalior and Gaurav Pachauri (Powerlifting)-Morena.

Vishwamitra & Lifetime Achievement Awards

CM Dr. Yadav also felicitated coaches with the Vishwamitra Award, along with Rs. 2 lakh each to Shri Pijush Kanti Baroi (Kayaking-Canoeing)-Bhopal, Shri Ashok Kumar Yadav (Archery)-Jabalpur and Shri Lokendra Sharma (Hockey)- Bhopal. Shri Ratanlal Verma from Ujjain was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award for Gymnastics, along with a cheque of Rs. 2 lakh.

Rs. 5.46 Crore Awarded to National Games Medalists

CM Dr. Yadav also honoured medal winners of the 38th National Games-2025. The ‘Team-MP’ has won 34 Gold, 25 Silver and 23 Bronze Medals from 18 sports disciplines. A total reward amount of Rs. 5.46 crore was distributed among 82 medalists.

A large number of sportspersons and sports enthusiasts were present at the event.