RAIPUR (Chhattisgarh): In a major push to encourage sports in Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced significant cash rewards for Olympic medalists while addressing the executive meeting of the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association held at Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur. Reaffirming his government’s commitment to developing sports, the Chief Minister declared that Olympic gold medal winners from the state would receive Rs. 3 crore, silver medalists Rs. 2 crore, and bronze medalists Rs. 1 crore as a token of appreciation and motivation.
“The government is making extensive efforts to promote sports culture in the state,” said Chief Minister Sai. “We are determined to provide not only recognition but also financial incentives to our athletes who bring pride to Chhattisgarh and the nation.”
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai attended the executive meeting of the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association held at the Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur on July 17, 2025. During the meeting, the annual budget for 2025-26 was approved. Additionally, Chief Minister Shri Sai inaugurated the new office of the association’s president within the stadium premises.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Sai emphasized the state government’s unwavering commitment to promoting sports. He highlighted that the government has resumed sports felicitation ceremonies to encourage athletes. He also announced that the selection process for outstanding athletes would be completed soon and assured that suggestions from association members would be considered seriously for necessary action.
He further assured that incentives would also be extended to athletes who qualify and participate in the Olympic Games, even if they do not win medals. This move aims to boost the morale of emerging talents and encourage broader participation in international sporting events.
Chief Minister Sai also emphasized the role of corporate funding through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in strengthening sports infrastructure, particularly in industrially developed and mineral-rich Chhattisgarh. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to establish an archery academy in Jashpur with support from NTPC, benefiting young archers in the tribal region. Read full story: Chhhattisgarh: CM Vishnu Deo Sai Announces Rs. 20 Crore NTPC Investment for Archery Academies in Jashpur and Raipur I India CSR
The announcement received strong support from Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Tank Ram Verma, who reiterated the government’s intent to provide proper training and platforms to young talents. He mentioned that the long-paused felicitation of athletes has been resumed under the Chief Minister’s leadership.
The meeting also witnessed appreciation from Olympic Association Vice President and MP Vijay Baghel and General Secretary Vikram Singh Sisodia, both of whom praised the government’s initiatives to nurture a sporting ecosystem in Chhattisgarh.
He further highlighted the introduction of the Chhattisgarh Yuva Ratna Award under Chief Minister Shri Sai’s leadership to recognize young achievers in sports, arts, music, literature, industry, and trade. He also mentioned that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the ‘Khelo India’ initiative is promoting sports in every district. Referring to the Bastar Olympics, he noted that Prime Minister Modi praised the event in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program.
Sharing a personal note, Chief Minister Sai mentioned that he is the president of the State Archery Association and has been fond of archery since childhood. He revealed that an archery academy is being established in Jashpur with NTPC’s support, which will greatly benefit local athletes. He also noted that Chhattisgarh, being an industrial and mineral-rich state, aims to develop sports infrastructure through CSR funds.
Addressing the meeting, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Tank Ram Verma said that under Chief Minister Shri Sai’s guidance, the long-paused sports felicitation ceremonies have been restarted. He added that a list of outstanding athletes would soon be announced. Shri Verma emphasized that Chhattisgarh has no shortage of sports talent, and the need is to provide them with proper training and opportunities.
MP and Vice President of the Olympic Association, Vijay Baghel, also addressed the meeting, commending the state government’s efforts to expand sports in Chhattisgarh. He highlighted the association’s needs and expectations, emphasizing organizational strengthening and resource availability.
During the meeting, the General Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association, Shri Vikram Singh Sisodia, presented the annual report for 2024-25 and expressed gratitude for the state government’s support. He stated that the government’s decisions and assistance are fostering a positive sports environment in the state. Several office bearers of the association were present on the occasion.
(India CSR)
