Sports will prove to be an important endeavor for a capable and developed Chhattisgarh - Shri Arun Sao
Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated Sports Conclave
Sports administrators, experts, sports scientists, renowned players, and sports association officials from across the country gathered at the conclave, being held for the first time in Chhattisgarh
Momentum builds on creating a better ecosystem for sports and players in the state
Raipur. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Shri Arun Sao, today inaugurated the Sports Conclave, being held for the first time in Chhattisgarh. Sports administrators, experts, sports scientists, renowned players, and sports association officials from across the country are participating in the conclave organized by the Sports and Youth Welfare Department of the state government at a private hotel in the capital, Raipur. Throughout the day, in various sessions, they will deliberate on a roadmap for creating a better environment for sports and players in the state, nurturing sporting talent, providing them with good facilities, preparing them for national and international competitions, and strengthening sports infrastructure.
Addressing the first session of the Sports Conclave, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao said that sports will prove to be an important endeavor for building a capable and developed Chhattisgarh. The development of sports and players in the state will provide more opportunities for youth to showcase their talent, lead to their all-round development, and help them become a strong human resource, which will benefit Chhattisgarh.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the state government is fully prepared to support the progress and betterment of players. To this end, players, coaches, and sports associations will be provided with all possible cooperation. He emphasized ensuring the optimal utilization of the state's existing sports infrastructure and establishing a robust system for their operation and availability to players.
Shri Sao, while addressing the 'Leadership, Sports Promotion, and Talent Hunt' session organized on the theme 'Vision to Victory,' said that the conclusions from the discussions among experts in various sessions today will be implemented for better sports facilities and player development in the state. He stressed the formation of sports associations in all districts, their systematic and strong structure, regular activities, and transparent functioning.
In his welcome address, Secretary of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Shri Yashwant Kumar, said that the conclusions from today's discussions will be incorporated into the state's new sports policy. He provided information about the initiatives and works undertaken by the state government to promote players. He mentioned that construction work for sports infrastructure worth over ₹150 crore is currently in progress in Chhattisgarh.
In the first session of the conclave, international footballer and captain of the Chhattisgarh women's football team that won a gold medal in the Khelo India Tribal Games, Ms. Kiran Pisda, said that the Bastar Olympics, Sarguja Olympics, and Khelo India Tribal Games in Chhattisgarh are significant platforms for players. This Sports Conclave, being held for the first time in the state, will greatly benefit players. A roadmap will be prepared here to prepare players for national and international competitions, which will benefit all players.
Present at the conclave were Director of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Smt. Tanuja Salam, former international cricketer Shri Rajesh Chauhan, Olympian Shri Jinshan Johnson, and Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association, Shri Vikram Sisodia, along with many sports professionals, sports officers from all districts, coaches, medal-winning players, and sports association officials.