- Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated the Sports Conclave
- Sports administrators, experts, sports scientists, renowned players and officials of sports associations from across the country gathered at the conclave being held for the first time in Chhattisgarh.
- Brainstorming to create a better eco-system for sports and players in the state
Deputy Chief Minister and Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Shri Arun Saw inaugurated the first-ever Sports Conclave in Chhattisgarh today. Organized by the State Government’s Sports and Youth Welfare Department at a private hotel in the capital, Raipur, the conclave is attended by sports administrators, experts, sports scientists, renowned players, and officials of sports associations from across the country. Throughout the day, they will deliberate in various sessions on a roadmap to create a better environment for sports and athletes in the state, nurture sports talent, provide them with good facilities, prepare them for national and international competitions, and strengthen sports infrastructure.
Addressing the first session of the Sports Conclave, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao said that sports will prove to be a crucial initiative in building a strong and developed Chhattisgarh. The development of sports and athletes in the state will provide youth with greater opportunities to showcase their talents, foster their all-round development, and develop them into a strong human resource, which will benefit Chhattisgarh.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the state government is fully prepared to support the progress and well-being of athletes. To this end, every possible support will be provided to athletes, coaches, and sports associations. He emphasized the need to ensure optimal utilization of the state’s existing sports infrastructure, establishing robust systems for its operation and availability to athletes.
Addressing the “Leadership, Sports Promotion, and Talent Search” session at the conclave, themed “Vision to Victory,” Mr. Saw said the findings of discussions among experts in various sessions today would be implemented to improve sports facilities and develop athletes in the state. He emphasized the need for the formation of sports associations in all districts, their systematic and robust structure, regular activities, and transparent functioning.
In his welcome address, Shri Yashwant Kumar, Secretary of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, stated that the conclusions of today’s discussions will be incorporated into the state’s new sports policy. He provided information on the state government’s programs and initiatives to promote athletes. He stated that construction of sports infrastructure worth more than ₹150 crore is currently underway in Chhattisgarh.
In the first session of the conclave, Ms. Kiran Pisada, an international footballer and captain of the Chhattisgarh women’s football team that won the gold medal at the Khelo India Tribal Games, said that the Bastar Olympics, Surguja Olympics, and Khelo India Tribal Games are major platforms for athletes in Chhattisgarh. This sports conclave, being held for the first time in the state, will greatly benefit the athletes. A roadmap will be developed here to prepare athletes for national and international competitions, which will benefit all athletes.
The conclave was attended by Director of Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Mrs. Tanuja Salam, former international cricketer Mr. Rajesh Chauhan, Olympian Mr. Jinson Johnson and General Secretary of Chhattisgarh Olympic Association, Mr. Vikram Sisodiya, along with many sports professionals, sports officials from all districts, coaches, medal winning players and officials of sports associations.
