Deputy CM Arun Sao announces Hockey League plans, ₹57-crore sports promotion scheme, and major recruitment drive to strengthen the state’s sporting ecosystem
TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 4, 2026: Chhattisgarh has earmarked ₹100 crore for the ‘Mukhyamantri Khel Utkarsh Mission’ in the 2026-27 financial year as part of its efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure, identify young talent, encourage greater participation—especially among women athletes—and create a vibrant sporting culture across the state.
Announcing the initiative at a press conference held at the Chhattisgarh Samvad Auditorium in Naya Raipur, Deputy Chief Minister and Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Shri Arun Sao said the state government has also allocated ₹57 crore for the ‘Chhattisgarh Krida Protsahan Yojana’ to promote sports at various levels. Sports and Youth Welfare Department Secretary Shri Yashwant Kumar and Deputy Director Smt. Rashmi Thakur were also present.
Shri Sao said preparations are underway to organise a Hockey League in Chhattisgarh, aimed at providing competitive exposure and promoting the sport across the state. To enhance coaching standards, 14 coaches from state-run sports academies have been deputed to Patiala for specialised training.
The Deputy Chief Minister also announced the creation of Sports Officer posts in six newly formed districts—Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh-Chowki, Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, and Sakti—to strengthen sports administration and improve the implementation of government programmes.
Recruitment is currently underway for 44 coaches, four District Sports Officers, 23 Assistant Grade-III employees, and eight wardens to enhance sports infrastructure management and athlete support across the state.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to sports development, Shri Sao said efforts are being made to encourage maximum participation of children and youth in sporting activities. He noted that the Sports and Youth Welfare Department’s budget has grown significantly—from just ₹4 crore at the time of Chhattisgarh’s formation to ₹304 crore in the 2026-27 financial year.
He further said the state has expanded its focus on sports in tribal regions by launching the Surguja Olympics this year, complementing the Bastar Olympics, which has been organised successfully for the past two years. Chhattisgarh has also earned national recognition by successfully hosting the country’s first Khelo India Tribal Games, strengthening its position on India’s sporting landscape.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the government remains committed to creating world-class sports infrastructure, nurturing talent from grassroots to elite levels, and positioning Chhattisgarh as an emerging sports destination in the country.
