DCM Vijay Sharma Honours Kawardha’s Daughter Riya Tiwari for Winning Gold at South Asian Ball Badminton Championship

Riya’s achievement will inspire the new generation of athletes in the state: Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma

Raipur, January 2025 : Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma honoured Ms Riya Tiwari, a talented sportsperson from Kawardha, for winning the gold medal at the South Asian Ball Badminton Championship. The championship was held in Patna, the capital of Bihar, from December 25 to 29, where the Indian team delivered an outstanding performance to clinch the gold medal.

Teams from four countries—India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka—participated in this prestigious international tournament. By being part of the victorious Indian team, Riya Tiwari brought pride not only to the nation but also to Chhattisgarh. In recognition of her achievement, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma presented her with a memento and a certificate of appreciation, congratulating her and extending his best wishes for a bright future.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sharma said that Riya Tiwari’s accomplishment is a matter of pride not just for Kawardha district but for the entire state of Chhattisgarh. He noted that despite limited resources, Riya’s excellent performance at the international level has proven that no goal is unattainable with talent, discipline and hard work. Expressing confidence in her potential, he said that Riya would continue to win many more medals for the country in the future and would serve as a source of inspiration for the new generation of athletes in the state.

The Deputy Chief Minister also stated that the state government is providing all possible support to nurture sports talent. Various schemes are being implemented to ensure better training, facilities and encouragement for players, so that talented athletes from rural and remote areas can also establish their identity at national and international platforms.

Expressing her gratitude, Riya Tiwari said that the credit for her success goes entirely to her parents and her coaches, Shri Avinash Chauhan and Shri Jai Kishan. She said that without their constant guidance, discipline and motivation, this achievement would not have been possible. “They supported me through every difficult phase, kept my confidence intact, and gave me the strength to move forward,” she said. “This victory is not just a medal for me, but the beginning of a new chapter in my sporting career. I will continue to strive with full dedication and hard work to deliver my best performance for the country and the state.”