Kumar Bahukhandi
Raipur: Sanju Devi, who played a pivotal role in leading India to victory in both the Kabaddi World Cup and the Asian Championship, has been awarded an incentive sum of ₹50 lakh by the State Government’s Department of Sports and Youth Welfare.
This marks the first instance in Chhattisgarh where an athlete has been presented with such a substantial amount.
Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao presented the cheque to Sanju during a felicitation ceremony held at his official residence in Nava Raipur on Saturday April 18, 2026 .
During the event, a Kabaddi mat was also presented to the Chingrajpara Kabaddi Club of Bilaspur.
Named MVP; Scored 16 Points Single-handedly in the Final
Sanju Devi was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the Kabaddi World Cup held in Bangladesh in November 2025. In the final match, Sanju single-handedly contributed 16 of India’s total score of 35 points. Her performance throughout the entire tournament, including the semi-finals, proved decisive.
Won Gold at the Asian Championship as Well
Sanju also represented India at the Asian Kabaddi Championship held in Iran in March 2025, playing a pivotal role in leading the team to victory.
She is the first female Kabaddi player from the state to represent the country at the international level.
The Journey from a Small Village to International Stardom
Sanju, a 23-year-old hailing from Kerakachar—a small village in the Korba district—comes from a working-class family. Since July 2023, she has been undergoing training at the Bahatarai Residential Girls’ Kabaddi Academy in Bilaspur.
Her success is the culmination of passion, hard work, mental fortitude, and perseverance.
The Government’s Focus on Athletes
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said that, under the guidance of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, continuous efforts are being made to promote and uplift athletes within the state.
He remarked that Sanju’s achievement brings honor and glory to the state and will serve as an inspiration for other athletes.
The government is consistently organising sports competitions to promote athletics, including major events such as the Khelo India Tribal Games, the Bastar Olympics, and the Surguja Olympics.
From Struggle to Success
Sanju Devi honed her athletic skills amidst poverty and deprivation. Her story demonstrates that, through sheer determination, discipline, and mental resilience, any goal can be achieved.
She emphasised that being mentally strong is absolutely essential for attaining success at a high level, and that overcoming every obstacle constitutes the true victory.
