Raipur, November 17, 2024 — Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai reiterated his government's commitment to nurturing sports talent in Chhattisgarh, announcing significant cash incentives for Olympic medalists from the state. Attending the closing ceremony of the CM Trophy India International Challenge Badminton Competition 2024 at the iSports Badminton Arena in Raipur, Shri Sai highlighted the government’s focus on building a robust sports infrastructure and providing substantial support to athletes.

Cash Incentives for Olympic Medalists

In a landmark announcement, the Chief Minister declared cash rewards for Chhattisgarh athletes winning medals at the Olympics:

• Rs 3 crore for a gold medal.
• Rs 2 crore for a silver medal.
• Rs 1 crore for a bronze medal.

This initiative aims to motivate athletes and strengthen Chhattisgarh's presence on the global sports stage.

Promoting Sports and Youth Development

Shri Sai emphasized the transformative power of sports, calling it a medium of unity, discipline, and emotional strength. Addressing the gathering, he said, “Sports inspire positivity, discipline, and energy among youth. Our government is dedicated to providing athletes with the facilities they need to excel.”

The Chief Minister noted that programs like Khelo India are being implemented in all districts of Chhattisgarh to identify and nurture budding talent.

Support for Promising Athletes

Highlighting individual stories, Shri Sai spoke about young talents like Ritika Dhruv, a badminton player from Dhamtari, and Nisha, a mountaineer from Chhattisgarh:

• Ritika Dhruv: Despite financial hardships, Ritika has shown remarkable potential in badminton. The Chief Minister assured her of full support to continue her journey of excellence.
• Nisha: A mountaineer with dreams of scaling Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Everest, Nisha faced financial barriers in pursuing her goals. The government has sanctioned Rs 4.75 lakh for her expeditions.

A Successful Tournament

The CM Trophy India International Challenge saw competitive matches with national and international players. Shri Sai congratulated the men’s doubles champions, Shri Hariharan and Shri Ruban Kumar, and expressed gratitude to all participants, organizers, and officials for making the event a success.

Dignitaries and Participants

The event was graced by prominent officials, including Chhattisgarh Badminton Association President Mr. Vikram Sisodia, General Secretary Mr. Sanjay Mishra, and a large gathering of sports enthusiasts.

A Vision for the Future

Shri Sai concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to fostering a sports-friendly environment in Chhattisgarh, ensuring athletes have access to the resources they need to achieve national and international success. He urged young players to dream big and promised unwavering support from the state government.