Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Says Historic Series Will Inspire Girls, Promote Sports and Boost Tourism
Raipur, October 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said it was a matter of pride and joy for the state to host a three-match T20 International cricket series between the women’s teams of India and Zimbabwe at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Nava Raipur.
The hosting of an international women’s cricket series in Chhattisgarh for the first time marks a significant milestone in the state’s sporting history. The fact that the first bilateral series between the women’s teams of India and Zimbabwe began in Chhattisgarh makes the occasion even more historic, he said.
Chief Minister Sai visited the stadium in Nava Raipur on Tuesday and watched the third match of the India-Zimbabwe Women’s T20 International series. He warmly welcomed and felicitated players from both teams and wished them success. Encouraging the cricketers, he said women athletes who establish themselves internationally through their talent and hard work serve as an inspiration to millions of girls across the country.
Sai said hosting international women’s cricket matches in Nava Raipur reflected Chhattisgarh’s growing role in the sporting arena. The series was not merely a cricket tournament but also an opportunity to encourage girls to dream big and pursue their ambitions in sports.
He said watching world-class players compete would boost the confidence of young girls and motivate them to excel in sports while bringing recognition to Chhattisgarh and India.
On the occasion of the historic series, free entry to the stadium was arranged for mothers, women and girls. The initiative aimed to connect more women and young girls with sports and give them an opportunity to watch international women cricketers perform live.
The Chief Minister said women were making their mark not only on sporting fields but also across various other sectors through their talent and capabilities.
Sai said the state government was continuously working to create a supportive sporting environment and provide better opportunities to athletes. Along with expanding sports infrastructure, the government was making efforts to provide talented players with training, resources and improved opportunities to compete.
He said the objective was to enable Chhattisgarh’s sporting talent to experience national and international-level sporting culture within the state itself.
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium is an important sporting facility for Chhattisgarh. The state government’s decision to lease the stadium to the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Association has opened the way for regular national and international cricket tournaments.
This has given cricket enthusiasts in the state opportunities to watch high-level matches while allowing young players to learn from and draw inspiration from leading cricketers.
Sai noted that Nava Raipur had previously hosted international cricket matches against New Zealand and Australia. With special initiatives by the state government, two Indian Premier League matches involving Royal Challengers Bengaluru had also been successfully organised.
The India-Zimbabwe Women’s T20 International series represents another step towards establishing Chhattisgarh as an important destination for national and international cricket.
The Chief Minister said major sporting events strengthen a state’s sporting culture while generating economic activity and enhancing its identity. The arrival of players, officials and spectators from across India and abroad benefits tourism, hotels, transport, local businesses and the services sector. Such events also create employment and livelihood opportunities for local residents.
He said Nava Raipur was rapidly developing into a modern city equipped with contemporary infrastructure and national and international-standard facilities. The government aimed to establish it not only as a modern, well-planned capital but also as one of the country’s leading destinations for sports and major events.
Sai added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, a positive environment had emerged in India for promoting sports and encouraging athletes. Indian women athletes were consistently achieving success and bringing honour to the country on the global stage.
He said the Chhattisgarh government was similarly committed to identifying, nurturing and promoting sporting talent by providing athletes with better platforms and opportunities.
Extending his best wishes to the players of both India and Zimbabwe, Sai expressed confidence that the series would become a memorable example of sportsmanship, healthy competition and friendship between the two countries.
He said the historic series in Nava Raipur would inspire the younger generation, particularly girls, to participate in sports and would be remembered as a proud chapter in Chhattisgarh’s sporting history.
Officials from the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Association and the Board of Control for Cricket in India, representatives from the sporting community, government officials and a large number of cricket enthusiasts attended the event.
