The third edition of the Raja Bhoj Multiclass National Sailing Championship (National Ranking) concluded on Sunday at the Water Sports Centre (Boat Club) on Bhopal’s Upper Lake. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav presented awards to the winning and runner-up teams and felicitated talented players and coaches from Madhya Pradesh who delivered outstanding performances in various categories. The Bhopal sailing team put up an excellent performance to win the national-ranking championship and earn widespread appreciation. The Goa sailing team finished runner-up, while the Secunderabad sailing team secured third place. Sports and Youth Welfare and Cooperation Minister Shri Vishwas Kailash Sarang was also present on the occasion. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also inspected the display boats of the participating sailing teams at the Boat Club premises.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said, addressing the players and coaches, that sports are an integral part of our identity. Sporting activities in Bhopal have grown rapidly over the past few years. Of the 18 major sports disciplines, academies for 11 sports are currently operational in Bhopal. After hosting national-level sporting events, the State is now moving towards hosting international-level competitions as well. He said that the government wants to develop Bhopal as the sports capital. For this purpose, the Sports Department’s budget has been increased every year. The government is also preparing to establish one stadium in each of the State’s 230 Assembly constituencies to provide players with quality sports facilities.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh’s performance in sports has been improving consistently. Once ranked 17th, the State has now risen to third position in the country through its improved performance. He said that India is steadily advancing in the world of sports. India has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, while efforts are also underway to secure the opportunity to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The State Government is providing all necessary resources for the balanced development of sports, players and coaches. The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of pride for Madhya Pradesh to witness the talent of some of the country's finest sailors performing on the waves of its lakes. He said,“Our objective is not merely to organise competitions. We are working to take the sporting talent of the State beyond national rankings to the international stage.” The lakes of Bhopal are emerging as an important platform for nurturing the dreams of young sporting talent aspiring to excel in water sports. He said the successful organisation of the Raja Bhoj Multiclass National Sailing Championship has further strengthened Bhopal’s identity as one of the country’s leading water sports centres.
Bhopal to Get a Sports Museum
Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Shri Vishwas Kailash Sarang said Chief Minister Dr. Yadav’s commitment to the development of sports is commendable. Under the Chief Minister’s guidance, a sports museum will also be established in Bhopal. He said that besides hosting various water sports competitions on Bhopal’s Upper Lake, shikaras are also now operating on the lake. The State Government is moving ahead with a holistic approach to the development of sports and tourism. He added that Players from Madhya Pradesh are now bringing medals from competitions across the country and the world and making the State proud.
Winning Bhopal Sailing Team Honoured
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav and Sports Minister Shri Sarang presented awards to the winning Bhopal team and the runner-up Goa team. The Chief Minister felicitated members of the winning team, including Vasu Chandravanshi, Mahi Verma, Tulsi Patle, Eklavya Batham, Vanshika Sikarwar, Ian Patidar, Prarthana Bhoi, Ankit Sisodia, Samar Pancheshwar and Siddhi Tandon, along with the team’s coaches Shri G.L. Yadav, Shri Ram Milan, Shri Narendra S. Rajput and Shri Anil Sharma.
Madhya Pradesh’s medal-winning participants in the recently concluded 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow were also felicitated. They included Kumari Yamini Maurya (Judo – Silver Medal), Shri Samardeep Singh Gill (Athletics – Men’s Shot Put – 7th position), Shri Devkumar Meena (Athletics – Men’s Pole Vault – 4th position) and Shri Kuldeep Kumar (Athletics – Men’s Pole Vault – 6th position).
Similarly, Sushri Khushi Dabhade, who won a gold medal in the Indian women’s Epee team event and a silver medal in the individual Epee event at the Senior Commonwealth Fencing Championship 2026, was also felicitated.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also honoured all members of the hockey team that won the silver medal at the 16th Hockey India Junior Championship, including Karan Gautam, Ayush Rajak, Sohel Ali, Anand Yadav, Love, Vishwesh Singh Thakur, Ashir Adil, Rajveer, Harsh, Shubhan, Naveen Ikka and Tohid.
Secretary, Sports Shri Sanjeev Singh, Major General Shri TSA Narayanan, Shri Ajay Shrivastava, Shri Amit Shrivastava, Vikram Awardee Sushri Ekta Yadav, office-bearers of YAI and all players participating in the sailing championship were present. Joint Director, Sports Shri B.S. Yadav proposed the vote of thanks.
87 Sailors from 12 Clubs Participated
The championship was held from August 11 to 16, with participation from 12 sailing clubs from across the country. The National Sailing School, Bhopal team secured the first position with 20 medals, followed by the Navy Youth Sports Company, Goa, in second place and the Secunderabad Sailing Club, Secunderabad, in third place.
A total of 87 sailors (players) from all 12 sailing clubs participated in the championship. The players displayed exceptional skill, balance and competitive ability on Bhopal’s Upper Lake.
With its natural lakes, Bhopal is ideally suited for water sports such as sailing, rowing, kayaking and canoeing. Established in 2007, the Madhya Pradesh State Water Sports Academy provides training facilities for sailing and various other water sports. Its players have so far won several international and national medals and participated in various international competitions.
