MLA Ms. Usendi Inaugurates 25th State-Level School Sports Competition

Players to Showcase Skills in Football, Archery, and Mallakhamb

Raipur, Aug 2025 : Vice Chairperson of Bastar Development Authority and Kondagaon MLA Ms. Lata Usendi today (Thursday) inaugurated the 25th State-Level School Sports Competition at Vikas Nagar Stadium, Kondagaon district headquarters.

The competition will run from August 28 to August 31, 2025, with nearly 570 players from Raipur, Bastar, Durg, Bilaspur, and Surguja divisions of the state showcasing their talent in football, archery, and Mallakhamb. The inauguration also featured an impressive march-past by the participating athletes.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Ms. Usendi said that sports are extremely important for the holistic development and bright future of children. Sports not only make one physically and mentally strong but also inspire them to move ahead in life.

She added that players from Bastar division are gaining recognition with remarkable performances in games like archery and Mallakhamb. Ms. Usendi expressed confidence that athletes from the region, through their exceptional talent, will bring glory to the district and the state at the national and international level.

She informed that the state government is providing several facilities to encourage athletes. On the initiative of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnudev Sai, talented players are being given government jobs and also being honored with awards. Referring to Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s Independence Day message, she highlighted that obesity is becoming a serious concern, and sports are the most effective way to deal with it. She urged players to move forward with true sportsmanship and play with discipline.

At the end of the program, the MLA interacted with athletes from all divisions, extended her best wishes, and wished them a bright future.

The inaugural program was also addressed by Mr. Manoj Jain. On this occasion, Mr. Jasketu Usendi, Vice President of the Municipal Council, Mr. Dipesh Arora, Vice President of the State Archery Association, Mrs. Bharti Pradhan, District Education Officer, local public representatives, departmental officers, and a large number of school children were present.