Provision of 100 Crore for Chief Minister Khel Utkarsh Mission to Strengthen Sports Infrastructure and Create a Better Environment for Sports

Preparation for organizing Hockey League in Chhattisgarh, Budget of 57 Crore for Chhattisgarh Sports Promotion Scheme Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Arun Sao provided information on the works of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department in a press conference. Raipur. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Mr. Arun Sao, today provided information on the works, activities, achievements, and future action plans of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department in a press conference. Addressing the press conference organized at the Chhattisgarh Samvad Auditorium in Nava Raipur, he stated that in the current financial year 2026-27, a provision of 100 crore rupees has been made for the Chief Minister Khel Utkarsh Mission to create a better environment for sports in Chhattisgarh, strengthen sports infrastructure, encourage female players, and identify sports talents. Additionally, a budget provision of 57 crore rupees has been allocated under the Chhattisgarh Sports Promotion Scheme. The Secretary of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Mr. Yashwant Kumar, and Deputy Director, Mrs. Rashmi Thakur, were also present at the press conference. Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Arun Sao informed the press conference that preparations are underway for organizing a Hockey League in the state. To provide high-level training in the state's sports academies, 14 coaches have been sent to Patiala for training. He mentioned that for the smooth operation of sports activities, the state government has created the posts of Sports Officer in 6 new districts: Gourela-Pendra-Marwahi, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh-Chowki, Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, Manendragarh-Chirimiri-Bharatpur, and Sakti. For the effective implementation of departmental schemes, the recruitment process for 44 coaches, 4 District Sports Officers, 23 Assistant Grade-3, and 8 Wardens is underway. Mr. Sao stated that the government is actively and seriously working to ensure that more and more children and youth participate in sports grounds in the state. The budget for the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, which was only 4 crore rupees at the time of Chhattisgarh's formation, has now reached 304 crore rupees in the current financial year 2026-27. As an innovative initiative to connect remote tribal forest areas with the mainstream of sports, Bastar Olympics have been organized for the last two years, and starting this year, Sarguja Olympics have also been launched in the state. The grand hosting of the country's first Khelo India Tribal Games has established Chhattisgarh on the country's sports map.