Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated in the annual general meeting of the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association held at the Circuit House auditorium in Raipur. Key agenda items included the approval of the 2024-25 audit report, presentation and approval of the 2025-26 annual budget, and the appointment of auditors for the same period. During the meeting, CM Sai highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting and recognizing the state’s athletes. The government is dedicated to identifying and developing Chhattisgarh’s sporting talent. The state is restarting the sports awards ceremony, which was previously discontinued, and will soon introduce a distinguished player honor ceremony.
During the meeting, CM Sai also announced the initiation of new Khelo India complexes across Chhattisgarh. He recalled a recent meeting with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to discuss the expansion of sports infrastructure. To encourage athletes, especially those participating in the Olympics, the government has made special provisions. Gold medal winners from the state will receive ₹3 crore, silver medal winners will get ₹2 crore, and bronze medal winners will be awarded ₹1 crore. Sai stressed the government’s efforts to increase the sports budget and promote corporate sector participation. He mentioned the proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India to host the Olympics in 2036, with Ahmedabad as the proposed host city. The focus is on enhancing the sports system nationwide, aiming for India to become a global sports powerhouse within a decade. Chhattisgarh is also working towards hosting national-level sports events.
Cabinet Minister Kedar Kashyap, in his address, praised the efforts of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in starting sports competitions like the Bastar Olympics, creating opportunities for sports talent in remote areas. General Secretary Vikram Sisodia presented the secretary’s report. The gathering included Vice-Presidents Himanshu Dwivedi and Gajraj Pagaria, Treasurer Sanjay Mishra, and numerous representatives from various sports associations.