Development of Sports Is Our Priority in Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai

An encouraging atmosphere for sports across the country and the state

Chief Minister inaugurates Junior National Archery Championship

Raipur, December 2025 : Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai today inaugurated the 45th NTPC Junior National Archery Championship at the Swami Vivekananda Athletic Stadium on Kota Road in the state capital, Raipur. He extended his best wishes for the successful conduct of the championship and encouraged the players to deliver their best performances.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sai said that Chhattisgarh is fortunate to have received the opportunity to host the National Tribal Games. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Khelo India initiative has created excellent opportunities for sports talent across the country to move forward. He added that a highly encouraging environment for sports has been created both nationally and within the state. The Chief Minister emphasised that the development of sports is a top priority for the Chhattisgarh government, and that athletes across all disciplines are being provided with facilities and incentives to help them hone their talents.

He further said that new Khelo India sports complexes have been established in Chhattisgarh, ensuring that budding athletes receive all essential infrastructure and training facilities. The state also organises sports honour ceremonies to specially recognise and motivate sportspersons. The Chief Minister announced that the government will provide ₹21 lakh to athletes from the state who qualify for the Olympic Games. Moreover, if a sportsperson from Chhattisgarh wins a gold medal at the Olympics, they will receive an incentive of ₹3 crore, while silver and bronze medal winners will be awarded ₹2 crore and ₹1 crore respectively.

It is noteworthy that the 45th NTPC Junior National Archery Championship is being organised under the aegis of the Chhattisgarh State Archery Association and the Chhattisgarh Sports and Youth Welfare Department. The championship is being held from December 22 to December 30. Around 500 players from 30 states and Union Territories are participating in the event.

The programme was attended by Chhattisgarh Olympic Association General Secretary Shri Vikram Sisodia, former President and National Vice-President of the Chhattisgarh State Archery Association Shri Kailash Morarka, General Secretary Shri Ayush Morarka, Shri Ishwar Prasad Agrawal, along with players, coaches, managers, dignitaries and sports enthusiasts from various states.