- Chief Minister attends the partnership announcement and contract signing ceremony of Sendh Lake City and Elysium Clubs
- Padma Bhushan Pullela Gopichand to launch a badminton academy in Naya Raipur; state’s talent to receive world-class training
- Providing opportunities and modern facilities to sports talent is a government priority; ₹100 crore allocated in the budget for sports development
- Bastar Olympics unearths talent from remote areas; approximately 3.91 lakh athletes participated in the second year
- Mr. Gopichand lauds the state government’s efforts to promote sports excellence, modern facilities, and investment
There is no shortage of sports talent in Chhattisgarh. The need is to identify and hone this talent while providing world-class training and modern facilities. The state government is moving forward systematically in this direction. Our goal is for athletes from Chhattisgarh to excel in national and international competitions, bringing pride to the state and the country. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated this while addressing the partnership announcement and contract signing ceremony of Sendh Lake City and Elysium Clubs, held at Jora in the capital, Raipur.
Welcoming the initiative for the proposed world-class sports club in Naya Raipur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai remarked that this would strengthen the sports culture in the state and provide youth with superior training and sports facilities.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated and extended his best wishes to the club’s founders and the entire team. Welcoming the renowned badminton player and coach and Padma Bhushan awardee, Mr. Pullela Gopichand, to Chhattisgarh, he noted that Mr. Gopichand has played a pivotal role in establishing a new identity for Indian badminton on the global stage. Under his guidance, numerous athletes have brought glory to the nation at the international level. The launch of his badminton academy in Naya Raipur will prove to be a significant milestone for the state’s talented athletes. Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that sports are not merely a means to win medals; they also foster discipline, self-confidence, team spirit, and leadership qualities. Investing in sports is essentially an investment in our younger generation and the bright future of the state. With this vision, the state government is placing special emphasis on expanding sports infrastructure, developing training facilities, and encouraging talented athletes.
- Bastar Olympics Transforms the Landscape: Youth Moving from Villages to the Sports Arena
Highlighting the Bastar Olympics, Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that the event has become a powerful platform to identify hidden sporting talent in remote and tribal areas and provide them with opportunities to excel. In the inaugural year of the Bastar Olympics, approximately 1.65 lakh athletes participated; this figure rose to around 3.91 lakh in the second year. This growing participation demonstrates the unprecedented enthusiasm for sports among the youth of Bastar and signals a new wave of positive change sweeping through the region.
He noted that the youth of Bastar are turning away from guns and violence, stepping forward instead to shape their futures through sports, education, skill development, and employment. The government aims to ensure that talent from remote villages receives the same opportunities and platforms as athletes from major cities.
The Chief Minister mentioned the successful hosting of the National Tribal Sports event in Chhattisgarh under the ‘Khelo India’ initiative. Athletes from the state are consistently proving their mettle on national and international stages. Citing the achievements of weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav—who won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games—and Sanju Devi—a member of the Indian women’s kabaddi team that won gold at the Asian Games—he remarked that the daughters of Chhattisgarh are bringing honor to the state through their hard work and talent.
- Allocation of ₹100 Crore for Expanding Sports Infrastructure
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that, prioritizing the holistic development of sports, the state government has allocated ₹100 crore in this year’s budget. Modern sports infrastructure is being developed in the state through the coordination of various schemes, including the Central Government’s ‘Khelo India’. Continuous efforts are underway to strengthen the sports culture in the state while providing athletes with training, essential facilities, and better opportunities.
He stated that the government wants to ensure that no talented athlete from Chhattisgarh—whether from a city or a remote forest region—is left behind due to a lack of resources. Connecting talent with opportunities and preparing athletes for national and international level competitions is a priority for the government.
- New Avenues of Development Opening in Bastar Alongside Freedom from Naxalism
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the historic success achieved in freeing the state from Naxalism is one of the most significant accomplishments of his government’s tenure of nearly two and three-quarter years. For over four decades, Naxalism hindered development in several areas of the state, including Bastar. The campaign against Naxalism has gained decisive momentum under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the firm resolve of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah.
He [acknowledged] the courage and valor of the security force personnel…Saluting the spirit of dedication and sacrifice, he noted that the people of Naxal-affected areas have played a pivotal role in this transformation. Thanks to the trust and cooperation of the local populace, new avenues for roads, education, healthcare, communication, sports, and employment are taking shape in these regions.
The Chief Minister stated that the state government is working with full commitment to fulfill the promises made to the people under ‘Modi’s Guarantee’ and to ensure that the benefits of good governance and development reach the last person in the queue.
- Target to build a ₹75 lakh crore economy by 2047
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that, in alignment with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), Chhattisgarh is rapidly advancing towards becoming a developed state. A target has been set to grow the state’s economy to ₹75 lakh crore by the year 2047. To achieve this, special emphasis is being placed on leveraging the state’s natural resources and traditional strengths while focusing on new technologies, modern industries, the service sector, and human resource development.
He noted that Chhattisgarh is rich in mineral wealth, forest produce, water resources, and energy. The hardworking people of the state are its greatest asset. By effectively utilizing these potentials, new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and investment are being created.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the state’s new industrial policy is receiving an enthusiastic response from investors both within the country and abroad. During a recent visit to Singapore, positive discussions were held regarding investments in various sectors, including data centers and agro-processing. In a round-table meeting with CEOs of approximately 15 major companies, investors showed keen interest in establishing industries and businesses in Chhattisgarh. He added that increased investment would generate new opportunities for employment and self-employment for the state’s youth.
- Administrative work culture transforming through good governance and technology
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government is continuously implementing reforms to ensure a transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric administration. The establishment of the Department of Good Governance and Convergence is a significant step in this direction. The digitization of government services is being rapidly accelerated through the implementation of the e-Office system within the ministry. The government aims to make services simpler, more accessible, and transparent through technology, ensuring that their benefits reach the common citizens in a timely manner.
He stated that healthy citizens, empowered youth, modern infrastructure, and good governance are the key pillars of a developed Chhattisgarh. He called upon all citizens to actively participate in building a healthy, prosperous, and developed Chhattisgarh.
Finance, Housing, and Environment Minister Shri O.P. Choudhary remarked that Chhattisgarh is no longer defined solely by its mineral resources and heavy industries. The state is witnessing rapid expansion in sectors such as services, education, healthcare, technology, and modern urban infrastructure. Naya Raipur is emerging as a major hub for the new possibilities of this transforming Chhattisgarh.
He noted that prestigious institutions are continuously being expanded in the state to foster quality education and skill development. Institutions like the National Institute of Fashion Technology and the National Forensic Sciences University are being established, while national institutes such as IIT, IIM, AIIMS, and CIPET are already providing quality education and training to the state’s youth.
Shri Choudhary stated that the establishment of a badminton academy in Chhattisgarh by Shri Pullela Gopichand—following those in Amravati and Hyderabad—is a significant achievement for the state’s sports sector. This will enable talented players from Chhattisgarh to receive world-class training and guidance within their own state.
He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, work is also progressing towards establishing a data center and a semiconductor unit in Naya Raipur. Guided by the ‘Anjor’ vision document, the state government is moving forward with a long-term plan to build a developed Chhattisgarh.
- A healthy and empowered young generation is essential for building a developed India: Shri Pullela Gopichand
Padma Bhushan Shri Pullela Gopichand expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and the state government for the warm welcome he received in Chhattisgarh. He remarked that witnessing the well-planned and beautiful development of Naya Raipur has given a new perspective to his view of Chhattisgarh. He described the initiative by Elysium Clubs as a significant step towards promoting sports, health, and an active lifestyle.
Mr. Gopichand noted that there has been a major shift in the country’s attitude towards sports over the last ten to twelve years. Recalling a meeting with Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi after the 2014 Commonwealth Games, he emphasized the vital role that pride and self-confidence play in a nation’s progress. He stated that when an Indian athlete triumphs on the international stage and the Tricolour is raised high, it boosts the self-confidence of the entire nation.
He stressed that equal attention should be paid to children’s physical development alongside their education and literacy. Children should have ample opportunities to run, jump, climb, and participate in various sporting activities. Investment in sports is not limited merely to grooming athletes; it contributes to building a healthy, disciplined, and self-confident society.
Mr. Gopichand [acknowledged] the Chhattisgarh government’s efforts to encourage schemes, facilities, and investments related to sporting excellence…was appreciated. He stated that realizing the dream of a ‘Developed India’ by 2047 requires a young generation that is not only educated but also healthy, active, disciplined, and physically fit. Therefore, it is essential to accord high priority to sports and health within the development agenda.
Shri Prahlad Rai Agarwal, Shri Deepchand Rajliwal, Shri Pavitra Kumar, and Dr. Himanshu Dwivedi, along with other guests and a large number of citizens, were present on the occasion.