Raipur, 16 October 2024/ The All India Forest Sports Competition, hosted by Chhattisgarh at Swami Vivekananda Athletic Stadium Kota in the capital Raipur, started with a march by players from different states in traditional costumes and attire. On the occasion of the inauguration of the competition, Union Forest Minister Shri Bhupendra Yadav said in his virtual greeting message that forest workers play an important role in the conservation of forests. A large number of forest force employees participate in the All India Forest Sports Competition. For this, it is important for the forest workers to remain physically fit. Sports have special importance for forest workers, sports help in working with concentration, courage and team spirit. I hope that all the players will give their excellent performance in this competition by playing with sporting spirit. On this occasion, he wished and congratulated all the players.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, while welcoming the players from different states of the country in the land of Mata Kaushalya, said that the hard work of the Forest Department for this event is praiseworthy. All India Forest Sports Competition was started in the year 1992. Gradually its popularity increased. In this game, players not only from Kashmir to Kanyakumari but also from the Union Territory are participating in the competition. Our country India is a country of diversity, this stadium of the capital Raipur is seen as a mini India. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has taken many steps for the development of sports and players in the country. The government of Chhattisgarh is committed to the development of sports and players. The morale of the players of Chhattisgarh has increased due to the efforts being made by the government. From forest guards to department officials, the players who are participating will play an important role in the conservation of forests and wild animals.
Bihar Forest Minister Dr. Prem Kumar said that we have to come forward to bring awareness and conservation of forests and wild animals. The All India Forest Sports Competition was started from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. This time this event is being held in Chhattisgarh, which is rich in natural mineral wealth. Dr. Kumar congratulated and wished all the players.
Forest and Climate Change Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Kedar Kashyap said that Chhattisgarh had secured first place in the All India Forest Sports Competition organized in Haryana in the year 2023. The government of Chhattisgarh is not only promoting sports talents but also honoring them. Chhattisgarh has 44 percent forest, which ranks third in the whole of India. On this occasion, he said that this five-day long event is based on the conservation of forests. All India Forest Sports Competition is being organized in Chhattisgarh for the third time. He inspired the players present in the stadium as well as the public present in the stadium to conserve trees and wildlife. It is not only the government's job to make the coming generation aware but it is the moral responsibility of everyone.
Indian International T-20 captain Mr. Surya Kumar Yadav presented his views through Jai Johar's address. He appreciated the efforts being made to conserve forests in Chhattisgarh and said that there is greenery all around in Chhattisgarh. He said that discipline is important in the career of players. He congratulated the state government for the event while praising the state government for keeping the forests green for the coming generations and promoting sports.
It is noteworthy that after four years, in the 27th All India Forest Sports Meet hosted by Chhattisgarh, there will be competitions in 300 disciplines of 26 sports. This competition will be held from 16th to 20th October in 16 different playing fields of the capital. 2920 players from across the country will participate in it. Which includes 2331 male and 585 female players. 268 players from host Chhattisgarh will present their claim for the overall championship for the 12th time. Our team has won the overall championship title 11 times so far. Before the start of the competition, in the march performed by the players from different states, Chhattisgarh stood first, Himachal Pradesh stood second and Tamil Nadu, Assam and Gujarat stood third and teams from Assam and Gujarat were awarded consolation prizes.
On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao and Shri Vijay Sharma, Food Minister Shri Dayaldas Baghel, Industry and Labor Minister Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan, Revenue Minister Shri Tankram Verma, Senior Public Representative Shri Ram Prasad, MLAs Shri Rajesh Munat, Shri Motilal Sahu, Padmashree Shri Anuj Sharma, Secretary (Forest) to the Government of India Smt. Leena Nandan, Director General of Forests to the Government of India Shri Jitendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) Smt. Richa Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Forest Force Chief Shri V. Srinivas Rao, Chief Forest Conservator and Nodal Officer of the competition Mrs. Shalini Raina along with a large number of players and common people were present.
