- Chief Minister Unveils the ‘DP World Naya Raipur Open 2026’ Trophy; Boosts Players’ Morale by Trying His Hand at Golf
- 132 Professional Golfers from India and Abroad Participating; 18 International Players to Showcase Their Skills
- Chief Minister States: Naya Raipur Open Will Become Chhattisgarh’s New Identity; State Government to Provide Full Support to Promote Golf
- Event Held in the Distinguished Presence of 1983 World Cup-Winning Indian Cricket Team Captain and PGTI President Kapil Dev
- Chhattisgarh Set to Become a Major Golf Destination in the Future, Alongside Cities Like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata
- Chief Minister Extends a Warm Welcome to Players from India and Abroad; Invites Them to Experience the Natural Beauty of Bastar and Sarguja
Chhattisgarh is rapidly establishing itself as an emerging sports destination in the country. The state’s sports culture has been revitalized through the expansion of sports infrastructure, the provision of better training and opportunities for talent, and the hosting of prestigious national and international sports events. The hosting of a major professional golf tournament in Naya Raipur marks a significant milestone in this journey. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai made these remarks today while addressing the prestigious ‘DP World Naya Raipur Open 2026’ event, organized by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) at the Fairway Golf and Country Club Resort in Naya Raipur.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed confidence that the ‘DP World Naya Raipur Open 2026’ would become a new identity for Chhattisgarh in the coming years and play a pivotal role in establishing Naya Raipur as a premier golf destination on the national and global stage.
Chief Minister Sai unveiled the tournament’s impressive trophy and extended a warm welcome to the professional golfers arriving from across the country and abroad. The event was further graced by the special presence of Kapil Dev, captain of the 1983 Cricket World Cup-winning Indian team and President of the Professional Golf Tour of India. The Chief Minister tried his hand at golf on the course and boosted the players’ morale by hitting an impressive shot. The players, sports enthusiasts, and guests present showed great enthusiasm upon seeing the Chief Minister play.
- Participation of 132 professional players: A moment of pride for Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that it is a matter of joy and pride for the state that such a prestigious national professional golf event is taking place in Naya Raipur. A total of 132 professional players from India and abroad are participating in the competition, including 18 international players. The arrival of top-tier golfers from across the country and the world in Chhattisgarh on such a grand scale reflects the favorable sporting environment developing in the state.
He noted that the impact of such events extends beyond the playing field. It strengthens the state’s national and international profile, boosts sports tourism, and offers local youth the opportunity to see world-class players up close and draw inspiration from them. The state government aims to regularly host major sporting events in Chhattisgarh and provide a better platform for local talent to excel.
- Once seen only in movies, Chhattisgarh now hosts a major golf tournament
Recalling his own memories associated with golf, Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that there was a time when people only heard about the sport or watched others play it in movies. Today, in a transforming Chhattisgarh, the state itself is hosting a major professional golf event. This is a welcome sign of the rapidly expanding sports culture alongside the state’s overall development.
The Chief Minister observed that while golf was traditionally considered a sport for industrialists and the affluent, its scope has widened over time, attracting a large number of new players. The potential for golf is growing rapidly in Chhattisgarh as well. The state government will extend all possible support to promote the sport, expand necessary facilities, and organize prestigious competitions. Expanding Sports Infrastructure Creates New Opportunities for Talent
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government is promoting sports by linking them to the personality development, discipline, and self-confidence of the youth, as well as to the identity of the state. Sports infrastructure in Chhattisgarh is being continuously expanded. The state boasts a magnificent cricket stadium that ranks among the country’s premier international cricket venues, and national-level events across various sports disciplines are regularly hosted here.
He mentioned that the state government has included the ‘Chief Minister Khel Utkarsh Mission’ in the budget with the aim of identifying local talent and providing them with modern training, superior resources, and opportunities to participate in national and international competitions. The government is firmly resolved to ensure that a lack of resources or opportunities does not hinder the progress of talented athletes.
The Chief Minister added that, in alignment with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Khelo India’ and ‘Fit India’ initiatives, a vibrant sports culture is being fostered in Chhattisgarh. The state successfully hosted the National Tribal Games, which saw participation from approximately 25…players participated. Similarly, innovative events like the Bastar Olympics and Sarguja Olympics have provided a major platform for thousands of children and youth from remote areas to showcase their sporting talent.
- Youths’ dreams taking flight alongside peace and development in Bastar
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that decisive success against Naxalism in Bastar has been achieved through the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the firm resolve of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, and the indomitable courage of our security forces. Today, Bastar is rapidly advancing towards peace, trust, development, and new possibilities.
He remarked that the massive participation of youth in the Bastar Olympics is a powerful expression of this positive transformation. In areas once known for violence and Naxalism, youth are now stepping forward on sports fields with their talent, energy, and dreams. This is the picture of a changing Bastar and a changing Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister noted that various sports disciplines—including cricket, hockey, archery, and athletics—are being encouraged in the state. Now, a series of major professional golf events will add a new dimension to the state’s sporting journey.
- Experience Chhattisgarh’s culture and natural beauty alongside golf – Chief Minister
Extending a warm welcome to players from across the country and abroad, Chief Minister Shri Sai invited them to explore Chhattisgarh’s natural beauty, tribal culture, and tourist destinations. He expressed hope that when the players return home, they would carry with them not just memories of the tournament, but also cherished recollections of the warm hospitality of Chhattisgarh’s people and the state’s scenic beauty.
Highlighting Bastar and Sarguja specifically, the Chief Minister remarked that nature has endowed Chhattisgarh with unparalleled beauty. Numerous waterfalls—including Bastar’s famous Chitrakote Falls, often referred to as the ‘Niagara of India’—along with forest areas and natural sites, attract tourists. Similarly, Sarguja is renowned for its natural beauty, hills, forests, and unique culture. He urged the players to take time out from the competition to get to know Chhattisgarh better and visit the state’s tourist attractions.
The Chief Minister thanked all the sponsors associated with the ‘DP World Naya Raipur Open 2026’, the Professional Golf Tour of India team, and everyone involved in the event, while extending his best wishes for the competition’s success.
- A Major Golf Tournament Should Be Held in Chhattisgarh Every Year: Mr. Kapil Dev
Mr. Kapil Dev, President of the Professional Golf Tour of India and captain of the 1983 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team, expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai and the Chhattisgarh government for their support in organizing the ‘DP World Naya Raipur Open 2026’. He remarked that such major professional events play a crucial role in strengthening the sports culture of a state and inspiring new talent.
Mr. Kapil Dev stated that Chhattisgarh holds immense potential for the development of golf as well as other sports. He expressed a desire for this prestigious golf tournament to be held in Chhattisgarh annually, with dates scheduled well in advance. This would allow professional players from across the country and abroad to plan their visits to Chhattisgarh in alignment with their international tournament calendars.
He noted that the environment in Chhattisgarh is highly conducive to golf and that the warm hospitality extended to players here is a distinctive feature. He expressed confidence that just as Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata are currently recognized as major hubs for golf, Chhattisgarh too would establish a strong identity as a premier golf destination in the country in the near future.
Appreciating Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai’s positive outlook towards sports, Mr. Kapil Dev extended special thanks to him for promoting the sport of golf and supporting the organization of major professional tournaments.
PGTI CEO Mr. Amandeep Johl stated that whenever the Professional Golf Tour of India team visits Chhattisgarh, they receive a warm and grand welcome. Players competing in Chhattisgarh are impressed by the local atmosphere, golf courses, and facilities, often expressing a desire to return and play here again. Alongside tourism and other sports, Chhattisgarh is now gaining recognition as an emerging golf destination.
It is noteworthy that the ‘DP World Naya Raipur Open 2026’ not only provides a prestigious competitive platform for top players from India and abroad but also serves as a significant step toward placing Naya Raipur and Chhattisgarh on the national and international golf map. The state’s continuous hosting of major sporting events, developing sports infrastructure, and the creation of new opportunities for athletes are paving the way for Chhattisgarh to emerge as a premier sports destination in the country.