Announces incentive of ₹51 lakh for gold medallist Toman Kumar and ₹31 lakh for bronze medallist Abhijeet Sakhuja
Former CRPF jawan Toman Kumar wins gold in para archery despite losing a leg in a Naxalite attack
Abhijeet Sakhuja, who has faced a physical challenge since childhood, brings honour to the state by winning bronze in para badminton
Chief Minister Sai says the courage, struggles and determination of both athletes will inspire the younger generation
State government will extend all possible support to nurture sporting talent and help athletes excel at the international level: Chief Minister Sai
Raipur, November 2026: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today felicitated two talented para-athletes from Chhattisgarh, Toman Kumar and Abhijeet Sakhuja, for their outstanding performances at the Asian Para Games 2026, bringing pride to the country and the state.
Congratulating the athletes on their achievements, the Chief Minister announced an incentive of ₹51 lakh for Toman Kumar, who won a gold medal in para archery, and ₹31 lakh for Abhijeet Sakhuja, who secured a bronze medal in para badminton. He honoured both athletes by presenting them with shawls and mementoes representing Bastar art and wished them a bright future. Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao was also present on the occasion.
Chief Minister Sai said that no challenge in life is too great to overcome when a person has determination, self-confidence and the desire to achieve something extraordinary. Toman Kumar and Abhijeet Sakhuja have demonstrated this through their courage, hard work and exceptional sporting talent.
He said their achievements go beyond winning medals. Their journeys from struggle to success are inspiring stories that will encourage thousands of young people in the state to pursue their dreams.
Lost a Leg in Naxalite Attack, But Never Lost His Courage
The success story of Toman Kumar, a resident of Nawagaon village in Balod district, is an example of extraordinary courage and determination.
While serving in the CRPF's CoBRA Battalion, he was seriously injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast during an anti-Naxalite operation in Jharkhand in 2022. The incident resulted in the loss of his left leg. However, he refused to give up despite the difficult circumstances.
He began practising para archery in 2023. Through continuous practice, discipline and self-confidence, he went on to win a gold medal on the international stage, bringing honour to the country.
Paying tribute to Toman Kumar's courage, Chief Minister Sai said the brave soldier, who had dedicated himself to protecting the nation, had demonstrated the same indomitable spirit on the sporting field. The Naxalite blast may have taken away one of his legs, but it could not diminish his determination to achieve something for the country.
Sai said Toman had first served the motherland by protecting its security and had now brought pride to Chhattisgarh by raising the honour of the national flag on the international sporting stage.
Abhijeet Achieves International Success Despite Physical Challenge
Abhijeet Sakhuja, a resident of Bilaspur, has also set an inspiring example through his hard work and dedication.
Having faced the physical challenge of clubfoot since childhood, Sakhuja did not allow his circumstances to come in the way of his ambitions. He chose para badminton as his goal and worked tirelessly to develop his sporting abilities through rigorous training and discipline.
By winning a bronze medal at the Asian Para Games, he demonstrated that every challenge can be overcome through strong determination and consistent effort.
Chief Minister Sai said Abhijeet's achievement would inspire all young people who dream of moving ahead in life despite difficult circumstances. He also congratulated the families of both athletes, noting that the sacrifices, faith and encouragement of family members play an important role in the success of sportspersons.
State Government Committed to Promoting Sporting Talent
Chief Minister Sai said Chhattisgarh has no shortage of sporting talent. What is needed is to provide athletes with the right opportunities, quality training and adequate resources. The state government is continuously working in this direction, with particular emphasis on encouraging para-athletes and preparing them for national and international competitions.
He assured the athletes that the state government would extend all possible support to help them perform better in future competitions.
He added that under the schemes of the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, athletes who win medals at the international level are also eligible for travel and daily allowance (TA-DA) assistance of up to ₹3 lakh to participate in upcoming international competitions.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that Toman Kumar and Abhijeet Sakhuja would continue to set new benchmarks through their talent and hard work and win more medals for the country at international sporting events and the Paralympics.
Sporting Talent Being Encouraged in Line with Prime Minister's Vision: Deputy CM Arun Sao
Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao congratulated both athletes and said their achievements were a matter of pride for the entire state of Chhattisgarh.
He said a new environment for promoting sports and sportspersons had emerged in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In keeping with the spirit of the Prime Minister's inspiring message, "The more you play, the more you will flourish", the Chhattisgarh government is also committed to encouraging and nurturing sporting talent.
Sao said athletes in the state are being provided with better training, modern sporting facilities and opportunities to showcase their abilities at national and international levels.
Secretary of the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare Yashwant Kumar, Director of Sports Akanksha Shiksha Khalkho, and family members of both athletes were present on the occasion.
