Top performers of Class 10 and 12 merit lists watch live clash between RCB and Mumbai Indians at Nava Raipur stadium
TFP Bureau, Raipur, May 10, 2026: In a unique initiative aimed at encouraging academic excellence, meritorious students from across Chhattisgarh were given the opportunity to witness a live match of the Indian Premier League at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The initiative, undertaken under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, enabled 18 students who secured positions in the merit lists of the state’s Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations to watch the high-voltage clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians.
The students, selected from various districts across the state, travelled to Nava Raipur to experience the electrifying atmosphere of the international cricket stadium. For many of them, it was the first time they had watched a live cricket match in such a large venue.
Officials said the initiative was intended not only to reward academic excellence but also to motivate young achievers and inspire them to pursue their dreams with greater confidence.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai believes that students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance should be provided with such opportunities so that they feel encouraged to aim higher in life. The state government, he has repeatedly said, remains committed to promoting education, sports and youth talent.
The lively stadium atmosphere, dazzling lights and enthusiastic crowd left the students thrilled. Many described the experience as unforgettable, as they watched some of the world’s leading cricketers compete in person.
Among them was Jigyasu Verma of Saraswati Shishu Mandir, Palari in Balodabazar-Bhatapara district, who secured the first rank in the Higher Secondary Examination merit list. He said he had always been passionate about cricket and had only watched IPL matches on television earlier. Watching the match live in such a massive stadium, he said, was one of the most exciting moments of his life.
Similarly, Yash Khrobagade of Swami Atmanand Government Excellence School, Narharpur in Kanker district, who secured the tenth position in the Class 12 merit list, said his long-standing wish to watch international players perform in person had finally been fulfilled. He described the vibrant stadium atmosphere and the crowd’s enthusiasm as an extraordinary experience.
Students expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the state government for the initiative, stating that such recognition motivates them to work harder and achieve greater success in the future.
According to officials, the government continues to introduce initiatives that strengthen both education and sports in the state. Measures such as digital education, development of sports infrastructure and incentives for meritorious students are aimed at providing quality opportunities to the youth.
For the students who attended the match, the evening was more than just a sporting spectacle—it was a memorable recognition of their hard work and a moment that many said they would cherish for years to come.
