Kumar Bahukhandi
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today on Monday November 18, 2024 attended the closing ceremony of CM Trophy India International Challenge Badminton Competition 2024 organised at I Sports Badminton Arena located at Mowa in the capital Raipur. Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Sai said that the Chhattisgarh government is committed to promoting the sports talent of the state. The best possible facilities are being provided to the players and better sports infrastructure is being developed. He said that the player from Chhattisgarh who wins gold medal in the Olympics will be given an incentive of Rs 3 crore, the silver medal winner will be given Rs 2 crore and the bronze medal winner will be given Rs 1 crore.
While addressing the closing ceremony of CM Trophy India International Challenge Badminton Competition 2024, Chief Minister Sai said that it is a matter of great happiness that this badminton tournament is being organised in Chhattisgarh, in which participants from 10 countries are participating. Sports is not just a medium of competition, but it is a symbol of unity, discipline and dedication. It makes the youth positive and energetic. Makes them emotionally strong. We are constantly promoting sports in Chhattisgarh. There are many talented players in our state. We are also implementing the Khelo-India scheme of the Government of India in all the districts of Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister said that whenever I get an opportunity. I try to understand the expectations of the players by talking to them. I encourage them for their achievements. Just yesterday, I spoke to Dhamtari’s badminton player Ritika Dhruv on a video call and congratulated her for her achievements at the national level.
The Chief Minister said that Ritika told me that her father works as a laborer for a living and her mother is an Anganwadi assistant. Despite the struggles, Ritika has performed brilliantly in badminton. I assured Ritika that you should move ahead and bring glory to your parents as well as the whole of Chhattisgarh. We will fully support you.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that similarly, a few days ago, I spoke to Nisha, a mountaineer daughter of Chhattisgarh, on the phone. Nisha wants to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro of the East African country Tanzania. She also wants to conquer Mount Everest. Her father is a rickshaw-puller. I came to know that due to poor financial condition, that daughter is not able to go for mountaineering. I assured her of all kinds of support from the government and yesterday I approved an amount of Rs. 4.75 lakh for Nisha.
The Chief Minister said that our government is committed to promote sports talent. We will also provide all facilities so that players can progress in the field of badminton. The Chief Minister congratulated the men’s doubles winners Hariharan and Ruban Kumar. He also congratulated all the participants and organizers of the CM Trophy India International Challenge Badminton Competition 2024. The Chief Minister welcomed the players from abroad and all the members of their team to Chhattisgarh.
On this occasion, Chhattisgarh Badminton Association President Vikram Sisodia, General Secretary Sanjay Mishra, Rakesh Shekhar, Gautam Mahanta along with officials of the Badminton Association, players and a large number of sports lovers were present.
