Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presents a cash incentive to a medal-winning athlete of the Khelo India Tribal Games during the concluding session of Chhattisgarh’s first-ever Sports Conclave in Raipur on Tuesday July 28, 2026 . The state government honoured medal winners while announcing a ₹100 crore allocation to strengthen sports infrastructure under the Excellence in Sports Mission-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CG/PR
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announces ₹100 crore for sports infrastructure, honours Khelo India Tribal Games medallists and outlines roadmap for nurturing sporting excellence
Raipur: Marking a significant milestone in the state’s sporting journey, Chhattisgarh hosted its first-ever Sports Conclave, bringing together sports administrators, policymakers, renowned athletes, sports scientists and experts from across the country to shape a long-term roadmap for sports development.
Addressing the valedictory session of the conclave organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare in Raipur on Tuesday July 28, 2026 , Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the deliberations would provide meaningful direction to strengthen sports infrastructure, identify young talent and create a robust ecosystem for athletes across Chhattisgarh.
“The Sports Conclave will prove to be a milestone in the development of sports in Chhattisgarh.”
— Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Chhattisgarh into a major sporting destination and announced that ₹100 crore has been earmarked in this year’s State Budget under the ‘Excellence in Sports Mission’ to strengthen sports infrastructure and training facilities.
“We are working with complete seriousness to promote sports and athletes. This year’s Budget provides ₹100 crore to strengthen sports infrastructure under the Excellence in Sports Mission.”
— Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
During the programme, the Chief Minister presented cash incentives to medal winners of the Khelo India Tribal Games, hosted in Chhattisgarh earlier this year. The state delivered an impressive performance by winning 19 medals, including 3 gold, 10 silver and 6 bronze, reflecting the growing strength of tribal athletes at the national level.
Gold medallists received ₹2 lakh, silver medallists ₹1.5 lakh, and bronze medallists ₹1 lakh as incentive awards. Team events were also recognised, with the women’s football team receiving ₹22 lakh, the men’s football team ₹16.5 lakh, and the men’s hockey team ₹9 lakh.
“Our athletes deserve opportunities, world-class facilities and the confidence that their government stands firmly behind them.”
— Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Sai highlighted several initiatives undertaken to encourage grassroots participation, including the successful organisation of the Bastar Olympics, Surguja Olympics, and the Khelo India Tribal Games.
According to the Chief Minister, nearly four lakh participants took part in the Bastar Olympics, while around 3.5 lakh athletes participated in the Surguja Olympics, demonstrating the immense sporting potential that exists across the state.
He also informed the gathering that the government has recently approved a list of 156 outstanding sportspersons, who will receive benefits in government employment under the state’s sports promotion policy.
“The objective is not only to discover talent but to nurture it through systematic training, infrastructure and long-term support.”
Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao described the conclave as a defining step towards positioning Chhattisgarh among India’s leading sporting states.
He said the recommendations and expert inputs received during the conclave would be incorporated into a comprehensive action plan for strengthening the state’s sports ecosystem.
“The valuable suggestions emerging from this conclave will form the foundation of an effective action plan for the future of sports in Chhattisgarh.”
— Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao
The conclave witnessed participation from leading experts, including Olympian Jinson Johnson, sports scientist Dr Ratnesh Singh, former international cricketer Rajesh Chauhan, senior officials from Khelo India, sports administrators, coaches, district sports officers and representatives of various sports associations.
The event underscored the state’s ambition to move beyond hosting competitions and focus on creating a sustainable ecosystem that identifies talent early, provides scientific coaching and develops modern sporting infrastructure capable of producing athletes who can compete successfully at the national and international levels.
With increased budgetary support, policy reforms and growing investment in grassroots sports, Chhattisgarh is positioning itself to emerge as one of India’s most promising sporting destinations.
