RAIPUR,CG: On the occasion of National Sports Day, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai revived the earlier BJP government pledge of substantial cash prizes for state’s athletes who achieve podium finishes at the Olympic Games. Gold medalists will receive ₹3 crore, silver medalists ₹2 crore, and bronze medalists ₹1 crore.

During the State Sports Investiture Ceremony held at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium, the Chief Minister also awarded 502 talented athletes from various sports disciplines with a total of ₹1.36 crore. In addition to honouring the athletes, Shri Sai recognized the sacrifices of martyrs' families by presenting them with shawls and quinces.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sai expressed regret that the State Sports Investiture Ceremony had not been organized in the last five years, despite its importance in recognizing the state's sports talent. He noted that the ceremony was revived earlier this year on March 14, and again on National Sports Day, as part of the government's commitment to honoring and supporting athletes.

The Chief Minister highlighted the achievements of Indian athletes at the recent Paris Olympics, mentioning the medal-winning performances of Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, Swapnil Kusale, and Aman Sehrawat. He reiterated the government's dedication to nurturing sports talent in Chhattisgarh, promising enhanced infrastructure and training to help athletes excel on the international stage.

Sai also pledged significant investments in sports infrastructure, including the construction of integrated sports complexes in Jashpur and Raigarh at a cost of ₹105 crore. Additionally, a multi-purpose indoor stadium and synthetic football field with a running track are being built in Nava Raipur for ₹62 crore. The Chief Minister noted the recent inauguration of a residential hockey academy in Raipur and the upcoming launch of a residential football academy for girls in September. Plans are also underway for the establishment of Athletic, Kabaddi, and Archery academies.

Dr. Raman Singh, Speaker Chhattisgarh Assembly, praised the young athletes for their perseverance and noted the importance of the reinstated State Sports Investiture Ceremony. He affirmed the government's commitment to promoting sports activities in the state and providing all possible support to the players.

Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Mansukh Mandaviya, endorsed the development of new sports complexes under the Khelo India initiative and emphasized the importance of promoting sports infrastructure. He announced the introduction of the "Sports Promotion Scheme" in Chhattisgarh, which will focus on upgrading sports grounds, providing high-level sports equipment, identifying sports talent, offering financial assistance to sports clubs, and organizing traditional sports competitions, said Singh.

During the ceremony, athletes were honoured with various awards for their achievements in 2021-22 and 2022-23. This included the Shaheed Rajiv Pandey Award, Shaheed Kaushal Yadav Award, Veer Hanuman Singh Award, Shaheed Pankaj Vikram Award, Shaheed Vinod Choubey Award, and the Chief Minister Trophy. A total of ₹1.36 crore in prize money was distributed among the award-winning athletes, further highlighting the government's dedication to recognizing and rewarding sports excellence in the state.