Four-Day Competition Begins at Raja Fateh Singh Sports Ground; Dongargarh MLA Harshita Swami Baghel Inaugurates Event
Athletes to Compete in Football and Kho-Kho; Participants Urged to Excel with Sportsmanship and Discipline
Khairagarh, October 2026: The 26th State-Level School Sports Competition commenced with a grand and colourful opening ceremony at Raja Fateh Singh Sports Ground in Khairagarh on Monday. The four-day event was inaugurated by Dongargarh MLA Harshita Swami Baghel.
Approximately 330 athletes and 50 sports officials from five divisions of Chhattisgarh—Raipur, Surguja, Bilaspur, Durg and Bastar—are participating in the competition. Boys and girls will showcase their sporting talent, skills and team spirit in football and kho-kho events.
The enthusiasm of the athletes, captivating cultural performances by schoolchildren and the vibrant sporting atmosphere were the highlights of the inaugural ceremony.
The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the guests. Zila Panchayat Chairperson Priyanka Khamkhan Tamrakar, Zila Panchayat Vice-Chairperson Vikrant Singh, Zila Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Prem Kumar Patel, public representatives, officials from the education and sports departments, and other dignitaries were present.
The guests encouraged the athletes and urged them to deliver outstanding performances while upholding discipline, hard work and sportsmanship.
Football Competition Inaugurated with a Goal; Athletes Take Sportsmanship Pledge
During the inaugural ceremony, Zila Panchayat Vice-Chairperson Vikrant Singh formally launched the football competition by scoring a goal into the goalpost. The moment generated considerable excitement among players and spectators.
National-level football player Varnika Singh, a student of Wesleyan School in Khairagarh, administered the sportsmanship pledge to the participating athletes. They pledged to perform to the best of their abilities while maintaining sportsmanship, discipline and fairness and abiding by the rules.
School students welcomed the guests and athletes with an attractive welcome song and colourful cultural performances. District Education Officer Upendra Kumar Dewangan encouraged the performers by presenting awards to the students who participated in the cultural programme.
Sports Develop Discipline, Confidence and Leadership Skills: MLA Harshita Swami Baghel
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Dongargarh MLA Harshita Swami Baghel congratulated the athletes and said sports were an important means of ensuring the holistic development of students.
Sports activities contribute to physical and mental development while fostering discipline, self-confidence, leadership, cooperation and mutual harmony. Successes and challenges on the playing field also inspire students to progress in life, she said.
She urged athletes to rise above the outcome of victory or defeat and demonstrate their best abilities in the true spirit of sportsmanship. She encouraged them to pursue regular practice, determination and hard work to establish their identities at state and national levels.
Zila Panchayat Chairperson Priyanka Khamkhan Tamrakar said state-level competitions provided students with valuable opportunities to showcase their talent. Such events allow athletes from different regions to learn from one another, exchange experiences and develop a spirit of healthy competition.
She extended her best wishes to all participants for excellent performances.
Zila Panchayat Vice-Chairperson Vikrant Singh said sports teach the importance of discipline, consistent effort and collective responsibility. He encouraged the athletes to participate with enthusiasm, confidence and team spirit and bring pride to their schools, divisions and districts.
Providing Better Opportunities for Athletes Is Essential: District Education Officer
District Education Officer Upendra Kumar Dewangan said sports activities played a vital role alongside education in the holistic development of students.
He emphasised the need to provide a positive environment, proper guidance and adequate opportunities to nurture sporting talent. The state-level school sports competition gives students an opportunity to recognise their potential and prepare for higher-level competitions, he said.
He encouraged the athletes to perform their best while upholding sportsmanship and expressed a commitment to promoting sporting activities and providing the necessary facilities.
Exciting Football and Kho-Kho Contests Among Five Divisions Over Four Days
During the four-day state-level competition, athletes from Raipur, Surguja, Bilaspur, Durg and Bastar divisions will compete in various football and kho-kho events.
The competition will provide athletes with an opportunity to demonstrate their technical proficiency, physical fitness, strategic abilities and teamwork. It will also encourage interaction, cooperation and harmony among students from different divisions.
The event is expected to give fresh momentum to sporting activities in the district and inspire talented athletes to pursue further opportunities.
Public Representatives and Education and Sports Officials Attend
Those present at the inaugural ceremony included K.K. Shukla, Kalpana Swami and Assistant Director Manohar Chandel from the Durg Education Division; District Sports Officer Prinkesh Kashyap; former sports officer Kanhaiya Patel; sports coaches and physical training instructors from various divisions; general managers; Block Education Officers; Block Resource Coordinators (BRCs); and officials and staff from the education and sports departments.
A large number of athletes, school students, public representatives and other dignitaries also attended the event. They encouraged the participants and wished the organisers success in conducting the competition.
