INDIA FIRST . RAIPUR . ANIL PUSADKAR
: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today met Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse at his official residence in Raipur. The meeting was attended by MLA Purandar Mishra, Deputy Director General of the Sports Authority of India Mayank Srivastava, and Secretary of the Sports Department Yashwant Kumar.
The Chief Minister warmly welcomed the Union Minister by presenting a shawl, a handcrafted artifact made from Bastar art, and a coffee table book based on the Bastar Dussehra festival.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized that Chhattisgarh has no shortage of talent, but there is a need to provide proper opportunities, resources, and strong platforms to nurture it. He stated that the state government is continuously working to promote sports and cultural activities to help young talents grow and reach the national level.
He highlighted that recently organized Bastar and Surguja Olympics have given a new identity to the state. These events have brought many hidden talents to the forefront, boosting the confidence of young athletes. The government is also ensuring better training and necessary facilities to further enhance their skills.
The Chief Minister said that hosting the Khelo India Tribal Games is a matter of pride for the state, especially as it will energize youth from tribal regions. With Bastar gradually connecting to the mainstream and witnessing peace, participation in sports is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
Referring to the Bastar Pandum festival, he noted that the event saw participation from nearly 54,000 participants across 12 categories, including traditional sports, music, dance, attire, and cuisine, showcasing the rich cultural and sporting heritage of the state.
It is noteworthy that Union Minister Raksha Khadse is on a visit to Chhattisgarh to attend the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 being held in Jagdalpur. She described the event as a historic initiative aimed at tribal empowerment, grassroots talent identification, and nation-building through sports.
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