Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulates Asian Games bronze medallist Animesh Kujur and presents him with a bouquet during a courtesy meeting at the Chief Minister’s official residence in Raipur on Friday, October 16, 2026. The Jashpur-born sprinter was felicitated for his contribution to India’s bronze-medal performance in the 4×100-metre mixed relay at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulates sprinter Animesh Kujur on his bronze medal in the 4×100-metre mixed relay at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, describing his achievement as an inspiration for young athletes across Chhattisgarh and reaffirming the government’s commitment to modern training facilities and grassroots sports development.
Key Highlights
- Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulates Asian Games bronze medallist Animesh Kujur during a meeting at his official residence in Raipur.
- Kujur, hailing from Ghuitangar village in Jashpur district, was part of the Indian 4×100-metre mixed relay team.
- The Indian team reportedly clocked 41.06 seconds, improving the national record.
- Sai describes the athlete’s international achievement as a moment of pride for Chhattisgarh.
- Chief Minister emphasises identifying sporting talent in rural and tribal regions and providing modern training facilities.
- Kujur’s parents, Amrit Kujur and Reena Kujur, accompany him during the meeting.
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday, October 16, 2026, congratulated Chhattisgarh’s emerging athletics star Animesh Kujur for his bronze-medal performance at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, describing the achievement as a proud moment for the state and an inspiration for thousands of young athletes aspiring to compete internationally. Kujur, who belongs to Ghuitangar village in Jashpur district, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Minister at his official residence in Raipur, where Sai felicitated him and extended his best wishes for future competitions.
The meeting celebrated not only an international sporting achievement but also the journey of a young athlete from rural Chhattisgarh to one of Asia’s most prestigious sporting competitions.
The Chief Minister interacted with Kujur about his performance, training experiences and aspirations, expressing confidence that his success would encourage more young people from the state to pursue competitive athletics.
Sai: Animesh Has Made the Entire State Proud
Chief Minister Sai praised Kujur’s dedication, perseverance and determination, saying his achievement demonstrated the potential of young athletes from Chhattisgarh’s rural regions.
“Animesh Kujur, a son of Jashpur’s soil, has made the entire state of Chhattisgarh proud through his talent, hard work and determination. Winning a medal on an international platform as prestigious as the Asian Games is a remarkable achievement.”
Sai said that the reported improvement in the national record made the Indian team’s performance particularly noteworthy.
He observed that achievements of this nature go beyond individual recognition because they inspire young athletes who may otherwise consider international sporting success beyond their reach.
Bronze Medal and National Record Mark Significant Achievement
According to the state government’s release, Kujur represented India in the 4×100-metre mixed relay event at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
The Indian team secured the bronze medal with a reported timing of 41.06 seconds, improving the national record.
The Chief Minister described the achievement as evidence of the discipline and sustained effort required to succeed at international level.
Kujur’s performance also highlights the growing contribution of athletes from Chhattisgarh to national sporting representation.
His success provides a powerful example for young runners training in schools, colleges and sports academies across the state.
From Ghuitangar Village to International Athletics
Kujur’s journey began in Ghuitangar, a village under the Kunkuri police station area of Jashpur district.
His progression from a rural background to international competition demonstrates the opportunities that can emerge when sporting ability is supported by training, commitment and competitive exposure.
The Chief Minister said the athlete’s journey carried an important message for young people from remote regions.
“Coming from a small village and representing the country on an international sporting platform proves that when talent receives the right opportunities, training and encouragement, our young people can establish their identity on any stage in the world.”
Sai emphasised that young people should not regard geographical location or limited local opportunities as permanent barriers to achieving their ambitions.
Government Committed to Identifying Talent Across Rural and Tribal Areas
The Chief Minister said Chhattisgarh possessed considerable sporting potential, particularly in its rural and tribal regions.
He referred to Bastar, Surguja and Jashpur as areas where talented young athletes could be identified and encouraged through systematic sporting development.
“There is no shortage of sporting talent in Chhattisgarh. From Bastar to Surguja and Jashpur, our rural and tribal regions have many gifted athletes. Our endeavour is to identify these talents at an early stage and provide them with modern training, better sports infrastructure and facilities suited to national and international competitions.”
The Chief Minister said early identification of sporting ability, access to qualified coaching and regular competitive opportunities were important for developing athletes capable of performing at higher levels.
Sports Development Must Become Part of Youth Empowerment
Sai said the state government viewed sports development as an important component of the overall progress of young people.
Beyond medals and competitive achievements, participation in sports can promote discipline, physical fitness, confidence and teamwork.
The government’s stated priorities include expanding sports infrastructure, strengthening training facilities and creating opportunities for athletes to compete at national and international levels.
“Our resolve is to ensure that athletes from Chhattisgarh win more medals at national and international competitions and bring greater honour to the state and the country.”
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that sustained support for emerging athletes would help strengthen the state’s sporting culture.
Animesh’s Achievement Inspires a New Generation
Kujur’s achievement has particular significance for students and young athletes in smaller towns and villages.
For aspiring sportspeople, international success by someone from a similar background can provide encouragement to pursue demanding training schedules and competitive goals.
The Chief Minister said such accomplishments demonstrate the value of discipline, hard work and determination.
“The success of athletes like Animesh strengthens the emerging sporting culture of Chhattisgarh. Their achievements inspire the younger generation to believe that even the biggest goals can be achieved through discipline, hard work and unwavering determination.”
He encouraged Kujur to maintain the same commitment and confidence as he prepares for future competitions.
Athlete Shares Experiences With Chief Minister
During the interaction, Kujur shared experiences from his sporting journey and international competition.
Sai discussed his training and performance and extended his best wishes for forthcoming sporting events.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that Kujur would continue improving his performances and contribute further medals to India’s international sporting achievements.
The meeting was attended by Kujur’s father Amrit Kujur, mother Reena Kujur, representatives of the athletics association and officials of the Sports Department.
A Moment of Pride With a Larger Message for Chhattisgarh
Kujur’s success reflects the sporting ambitions of a new generation emerging from regions traditionally distant from major national training centres.
His journey illustrates how individual determination and access to sporting opportunities can help talented athletes progress to international competition.
For the state government, the achievement also reinforces the importance of investing in grassroots talent identification, training facilities and competitive exposure.
As Chhattisgarh celebrates Animesh Kujur’s international success, his journey from Ghuitangar to the Asian Games stands as an encouraging example of what young athletes can aspire to achieve through sustained effort, opportunity and determination.
