- Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai handed over a cheque of Rs 51 lakh as honorarium to Sanju Devi.
- Madhu Sidar and Geeta Yadav received a special assistance package of Rs 11.12 lakh each.
- Chhattisgarh will become the first state in the country to organize a hockey league: Shri Arun Saw
Deputy Chief Minister and Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Shri Arun Sao said that the Chhattisgarh government is continuously taking innovative initiatives to promote sports and athletes. In this regard, a men’s hockey league will be held in the state from October 21st to November 1st. Chhattisgarh will be the first state in the country to host such a hockey league. The league’s tagline is “Chalaav Re Sangi Hockey Khelbo.” Six teams will participate, named in keeping with Chhattisgarh’s culture and identity.
Mr. Saw said this at a ceremony honoring players who brought glory to Chhattisgarh and the country by winning international gold medals at the Khelo India Center of Excellence in Bahtarai, Bilaspur. He honored Ms. Sanju Devi, a gold medalist in kabaddi at the Asian Games 2026, and Ms. Madhu Sidar and Ms. Geeta Yadav, gold medalists in the Junior Hockey Asia Cup 2026. Beltara MLA Mr. Sushant Shukla presided over the ceremony.
In the function, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai presented a cheque of Rs 51 lakh as honorarium to Ms Sanju Devi, which was announced earlier. While a special assistance package of Rs 11 lakh 12 thousand was announced for Madhu Sidar and Geeta Yadav each. In the program, both of them were immediately given cheques of Rs 2 lakh each for one-time assistance from this. Shri Sao honored all the three players by presenting them shawls and mementos. Respecting the contribution of the families in the achievements of these players, the Deputy Chief Minister also honored the family members of the three players by presenting them shawls and coconuts.
Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Saw also inaugurated the newly constructed audio-video conference room in the administrative building of the Khelo India Center of Excellence. He said that this is a day of excitement, joy, and pride for Bilaspur and all of Chhattisgarh. These players learned to play at this center, honed their talent, and through hard work, brought glory to the state by winning gold medals at the international level. Winning gold medals in China and Japan is no easy feat. It is the result of years of hard work, discipline, and determination on the part of the players.
Mr. Saw said that sports are not just a means to win medals, but a powerful tool to develop individuals into capable, competent, and good citizens. The playing field provides good health, self-confidence, patience, discipline, and the drive to thrive in difficult situations. Instead of succumbing to despair during difficult times, athletes learn to struggle and move forward. Today, through their athletic talent, athletes are receiving respect and opportunities for a better future.
He said that the Chhattisgarh government is continuously working to ensure a better future for athletes and develop sports infrastructure. Incentives for outstanding athletes, sports awards, sports conclaves, and events like the Bastar and Surguja Olympics have created a positive environment for sports in the state. The state government has allocated ₹100 crore in the budget for the Chief Minister’s Utkarsh Yojana. This will further strengthen the infrastructure and other facilities required for sports, including coaches.
Mr. Saw urged the players to maintain consistency in their game, saying that a player’s biggest competition is with themselves. Strive to improve yourself every day. Don’t be disappointed if you’re not selected for a competition; instead, push forward with even more hard work. Today, these three players have received this opportunity and honor. In the future, other players training here will also have opportunities to showcase their talent.
- Sports facilities to be further enhanced in Bahtarai: Shri Sushant Shukla
Presiding over the ceremony, MLA Mr. Sushant Shukla provided information on the expansion of sports facilities at the Bahtarai District Sports Complex. He stated that various sports grounds and other facilities, including high-mast lights, are being developed at a cost of approximately ₹6 crore. Essential amenities, including air conditioning, are being developed at a cost of approximately ₹3 crore. He also stated that sports infrastructure is planned for the Beltara Assembly constituency at a cost of approximately ₹16 crore, for which a groundbreaking ceremony will be held soon.
State Hockey Association President Mr. Manish Srivastava, State Kabaddi Association General Secretary Mr. Pradeep Yadav, Collector Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Mr. Prakash Surve, District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mr. Sandeep Agarwal and Mr. Deepak Singh along with officials of various sports associations, coaches, players and sports lovers were present in large numbers in the program.