Strengthening Sports Infrastructure and Creating Better Environment for Sports with Chief Minister's Sports Utkarsh Mission Allocation of Rs 100 Crore

Chief Minister's Sports Utkarsh Mission has allocated Rs 100 crore to strengthen sports infrastructure and create a better environment for sports in Chhattisgarh. A budget of Rs 57 crore has also been set aside under the Chhattisgarh Kriyada Protsahan Yojana for the organization of a hockey league. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare Arun Saw informed the press about the department’s activities, achievements and upcoming plans. He said that for the financial year 2026-27, Rs 100 crore has been provisioned for the Chief Minister’s Sports Utkarsh Mission to strengthen infrastructure, encourage women athletes and identify sports talent. Under the Chhattisgarh Kriyada Protsahan Yojana, Rs 57 crore has been earmarked. The Secretary of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Yashwanth Kumar, and Deputy Director Rashmi Thakur were present. He added that preparations are underway for a state hockey league and that 14 coaches have been sent to Patiala for advanced training. Six new sports officer posts have been created across districts: Gaurela-Pendra-Murwara, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh-Chowki, Sarangdhar-Bilaspur, Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur and Sakti. Recruitment is in progress for 44 coaches, 4 district sports officers, 23 assistant grade‑3 staff and 8 wardens. He emphasized the government’s active efforts to bring more children and youth to sports fields. The department’s budget has risen from Rs 4 crore at the time of the state’s formation to Rs 304 crore for FY 2026‑27. Innovative initiatives have linked remote tribal forest areas to mainstream sports, with the Bastar Olympics held for two years and the Sarangarh Olympics started this year. Hosting the first Sports India Tribal Games has put Chhattisgarh on the national sports map.