Raipur
The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Vishnudeo Sai, on Thursday announced that athletes from the state who win a medal at the Olympics will be awarded cash prizes ranging from Rs 1 crore to Rs 3 crore. This announcement was made by the Chief Minister on Thursday during the state sports award ceremony held at Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur. During the event, 502 athletes were honored with sports awards in various categories.
Chief Minister Sai declared that Chhattisgarh athletes who win a gold medal at the Olympic Games will receive Rs 3 crore, those who win a silver medal will receive Rs 2 crore, and those who win a bronze medal will be awarded Rs 1 crore.
The Chief Minister emphasized the state’s commitment to advancing sports talent through improved infrastructure and training, enabling athletes to perform better on the international stage and bring pride to Chhattisgarh.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sai noted that the state sports honor ceremony had not been held for the past five years. The government recognized the athletes’ concerns and decided to resume the ceremony. This year, two honor ceremonies have been organized. The first was held on August 14, where 133 athletes were awarded a total of Rs 1.41 crore for their achievements in 2019-20 and 2020-21.
At the state sports honor ceremony held at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium, 502 talented athletes from various sports disciplines were awarded a total of Rs 1.36 crore. The Chief Minister also honored the families of martyrs with shawls and coconuts, recognizing that the awards given to the state’s athletes are named after these brave martyrs.
During the program, CM Sai announced that an Integrated Sports Complex is being constructed in Jashpur and Raigarh at a cost of Rs 105 crore. Additionally, a multipurpose indoor stadium and a synthetic football field with a running track are being developed in Naya Raipur at a cost of Rs 62 crore. For the first time since the formation of the state, a residential hockey academy was inaugurated in Raipur in August this year. A residential football academy for girls is set to begin in September, along with ongoing operations of an athletics academy, a kabaddi academy, and an archery academy. An off-center of the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education will also be established in Raipur, marking a significant achievement for the state in the field of sports.
Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh mentioned that young athletes have struggled to gain this recognition. The Congress government had previously halted this honor ceremony. Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Tank Ram Verma stated that a favorable environment for sports and athletes is being created in the state. Recruitment for vacant positions in the sports department and the appointment of sports coaches will also be undertaken.
