Kumar Bahukhandi
Deputy Chief Minister and Sports & Youth Welfare Minister Arun Sao addresses a press conference at the Chhattisgarh Samvad Auditorium in Nava Raipur on Tuesday August 4, 2026 , announcing major budget allocations and new initiatives aimed at strengthening Chhattisgarh’s sports ecosystem-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CG/PR
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao announces preparations for State Hockey League; ₹57 crore earmarked for Chhattisgarh Sports Promotion Scheme
Key Factors
- ₹100 crore allocated for the Mukhyamantri Khel Utkarsh Mission in 2026-27.
- ₹57 crore earmarked for the Chhattisgarh Kreeda Protsahan Yojana.
- State preparing to launch the Chhattisgarh Hockey League.
- Recruitment underway for 44 coaches, four district sports officers, 23 Assistant Grade-III staff and eight wardens.
- Sports officer posts created in six newly formed districts.
- 14 coaches sent to Patiala for advanced training.
- Government expands grassroots sports through Bastar Olympic and the newly launched Surguja Olympic.
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Government has announced a major push to strengthen sports infrastructure and promote sporting excellence by allocating ₹100 crore for the Mukhyamantri Khel Utkarsh Mission during the financial year 2026-27. The state has also earmarked ₹57 crore under the Chhattisgarh Kreeda Protsahan Yojana to encourage sports development and nurture emerging talent.
Deputy Chief Minister and Sports & Youth Welfare Minister Arun Sao made the announcement while addressing a press conference at the Chhattisgarh Samvad Auditorium in Nava Raipur on Tuesday August 4, 2026 . Sports and Youth Welfare Department Secretary Yashwant Kumar and Deputy Director Rashmi Thakur were also present.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao (C) , accompanied by Sports & Youth Welfare Department Secretary Yashwant Kumar and Deputy Director Rashmi Thakur , briefs the media on the department’s achievements, ongoing programmes and future roadmap during a press conference at the Chhattisgarh Samvad Auditorium in Nava Raipur on Tuesday August 4, 2026 -Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CG/PR
State Hockey League in the Pipeline
Arun Sao said the government is preparing to organise a State Hockey League as part of its efforts to provide competitive exposure to players and strengthen the sporting ecosystem.
To improve coaching standards, 14 coaches from state sports academies have been sent to Patiala for advanced professional training.
Expansion of Sports Administration
To strengthen sports administration across the state, the government has created District Sports Officer posts in six newly formed districts:
- Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi
- Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai
- Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki
- Sarangarh-Bilaigarh
- Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur
- Sakti
Recruitment is also underway for 44 coaches, four District Sports Officers, 23 Assistant Grade-III employees and eight wardens to ensure effective implementation of departmental schemes.
Focus on Grassroots Sports
The Deputy Chief Minister said the government’s objective is to encourage more children and youth to participate in sports by creating better infrastructure and opportunities across urban and rural areas.
He noted that the Sports and Youth Welfare Department’s budget has grown significantly—from ₹4 crore at the time of Chhattisgarh’s formation to ₹304 crore in the current financial year, reflecting the government’s increased focus on sports development.
Highlighting initiatives in tribal regions, Sao said the state has successfully organised the Bastar Olympic for the past two years and has launched the Surguja Olympic this year to bring sporting opportunities to remote tribal areas.
He also said that Chhattisgarh’s successful hosting of the country’s first Khelo India Tribal Games has enhanced the state’s reputation on India’s sporting map.
“The state government is committed to creating a better sporting environment, strengthening sports infrastructure, encouraging women athletes and identifying talented sportspersons across Chhattisgarh.” — Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao
“Our goal is to ensure that more children and youth reach the playgrounds by providing better facilities, training and opportunities.” — Arun Sao
Over the past few years, the Chhattisgarh Government has expanded investments in sports infrastructure, talent identification and grassroots competitions. Initiatives such as the Bastar Olympic, Surguja Olympic and the successful hosting of the Khelo India Tribal Games reflect the state’s strategy of using sports as a tool for youth development, tribal outreach and sporting excellence.
The increased allocation for sports, coupled with plans for a state hockey league and expansion of sports administration, indicates the government’s intention to build a stronger sports ecosystem from the grassroots to the elite level. The emphasis on tribal participation, women’s sports and coach development suggests a long-term strategy aimed at broadening the state’s sporting base while improving competitive performance.
