RAIPUR,CG: The Chhattisgarh state-level selection competition for the 27th All India Forest Sports Meet was grandly inaugurated today at the Kota Stadium, Raipur. V. Srinivas Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief of Forest Force, Chhattisgarh, presided over the event, administering the oath to approximately 500 enthusiastic participants from six forest circles across the state.

Players from the Bilaspur, Durg, Jagdalpur, Kanker, Surguja, and Raipur forest circles took part in the event, showcasing an impressive march past. The National Forest Sports Competition is set to be held in Raipur from October 16 to 20, 2024.

To prepare for the national event, state-level teams are being selected through competitions organized from August 29 to 31, 2024. Srinivas Rao highlighted that the selection event coincides with National Sports Day, celebrated in honor of the legendary hockey player Major Dhyanchand, adding to the pride of the occasion. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, for entrusting Chhattisgarh with hosting responsibilities and pledged to ensure the success of the 27th All India Forest Sports Meet.

Rao also motivated the participants, urging them to hone their skills and strive for excellence to bring glory to the state in the upcoming national competition. Over the next two days, the selection tournament will see intense competition in various sports events, with successful players earning the opportunity to represent Chhattisgarh at the national level.

The Chhattisgarh Forest Department team was the champion of the National Forest Sports Competition held in Panchkula, Haryana, last year. The state-level selection competition saw the presence of senior forest officials, including Additional Principal Chief Conservators of Forests Arun Pandey, Sunil Mishra, Sanjita Gupta, and O.P. Yadav, along with Nodal Officer Shalini Raina, Chief Conservator of Forests Raipur Vishvesh Kumar, and Chief Conservator of Forests Wildlife Raju Agassimani. The event also witnessed participation from top players, referees, and coaches from all forest circles of the state.