- MP Shri Maharaj inaugurates the 26th State-Level School Sports Competition by scoring a basket
- 595 athletes from five divisions are participating across various categories in the four-day event
- Competitions in football, basketball, badminton, and softball tennis will be held
A vibrant, four-day school sports competition commenced today in Ambikapur, the headquarters of the Surguja division. Hosting this state-level event is a moment of pride for the residents of the Surguja region. The 26th State-Level School Sports Competition 2026 was inaugurated at the Government Multipurpose Higher Secondary School ground in Ambikapur, with Surguja MP Shri Chintamani Maharaj as the chief guest. The event was officially opened when MP Shri Maharaj scored a basket. Athletes from the Bastar, Bilaspur, Durg, Raipur, and Surguja divisions are participating in this competition. During the opening ceremony, students added flair to the event with a Bihu dance, traditional music, and various other cultural performances.
Addressing the athletes, MP Shri Chintamani Maharaj stated that sports serve as a vital medium for the holistic development of students. Sports foster physical and mental growth, while also cultivating discipline, self-confidence, team spirit, and a healthy competitive drive. He encouraged the athletes to participate with full enthusiasm and true sportsmanship, to practice consistently, and to strive for excellence in order to make their mark in higher-level competitions. He noted that sports also strengthen the spirit of national unity. He added that such events provide students with an opportunity to showcase their athletic talent and prepare for higher-level sporting contests. The MP urged all participants to compete with a true sense of sportsmanship. Additionally, Member of Parliament Shri Maharaj noted that athletes from all divisions of the state are participating in this competition with great enthusiasm. Extending his best wishes to the 215 boys and 245 girls taking part, he urged them to compete with a strong sense of sportsmanship, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. He encouraged everyone to deliver their best performance, reminding them that winning and losing are an integral part of life. A true athlete, he emphasized, is one who performs to the best of their ability while upholding the spirit of fair play.
- Competitions across four sports and various age categories
This four-day state-level event features competitions in football, basketball, badminton, and softball tennis, organized across different age groups. The lineup includes a football tournament for boys (under 19), a basketball tournament for girls (under 14 and under 17), and badminton and softball tennis tournaments for both boys and girls (aged 17 to 19). Notably, 215 boys and 245 girls are participating in this sporting event.
The competition provides athletes from various divisions an opportunity to hone their sporting skills, gain competitive experience, and prepare themselves for major future sporting events.
- Public representatives encourage the athletes
During the event, several public representatives—including Zila Panchayat President Smt. Nirupa Singh, Zila Panchayat Vice-President Shri Devanarayan Yadav, Mayor Smt. Manjusha Bhagat, and Municipal Corporation Chairperson Shri Harminder Singh ‘Tinny’—addressed the athletes and boosted their morale. They urged the participants to perform well through discipline, dedication, and hard work, and to continue practicing consistently with the goal of competing at both the state and national levels. Mayor Smt. Manjusha Bhagat, while connecting the students with the objectives of the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ (Clean India Mission), urged them to actively participate in making their cities and villages clean and beautiful. She emphasized that cleanliness begins at home and in one’s immediate surroundings. She encouraged students not only to keep their own environment clean but also to raise awareness about cleanliness among others. She also extended her best wishes to all the athletes for the competition.
Collector Shri Ajit Vasant, while wishing the athletes well, stated that it is essential to provide students with a conducive environment and opportunities to excel in the field of sports. He urged the athletes to hone their talents, contribute to enriching the sports culture, and strive consistently for outstanding performance. Welcoming the athletes who arrived in Surguja from various divisions, he wished them success and assured them that all necessary facilities would be provided. The event was attended by Major Anil Singh, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zila Panchayat, the Joint Director of Education, the District Education Officer, and other officials and staff from the Education Department.