*Chief Minister Unveils ‘DP World Nava Raipur Open 2026’ Trophy, Tries His Hand at Golf and Encourages Players
*132 Professional Golfers Participating, Including 18 International Players
TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 15, 2026: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said Chhattisgarh is carving a new identity on the national and global golf map, with the hosting of the ‘DP World Nava Raipur Open 2026’ marking a significant milestone in the state’s emergence as a major sports destination.
Addressing the prestigious professional golf tournament organised by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) at Fairway Golf & Country Club Resort in Nava Raipur on September 15, Chief Minister Shri Sai said the event would help establish Nava Raipur as an important golf destination and further strengthen Chhattisgarh’s sporting identity.
A total of 132 professional golfers from India and abroad, including 18 international players, are participating in the tournament.
Chief Minister Shri Sai unveiled the tournament trophy and welcomed the participating golfers. Shri Kapil Dev, captain of India’s 1983 Cricket World Cup-winning team and President of PGTI, was specially present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister also tried his hand at golf, took a shot on the course, and encouraged the participating players.
*Major Golf Event Opens New Opportunities for Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Shri Sai said hosting a professional tournament of this scale reflects the favourable sporting environment being developed in Chhattisgarh. Such events not only strengthen the state’s national and international profile but also promote sports tourism and provide local youth an opportunity to watch and draw inspiration from leading players.
Recalling how perceptions of the sport have changed, the Chief Minister said there was a time when people largely heard about golf or watched it in films. In contrast, Chhattisgarh is today hosting a major professional tournament featuring leading Indian and international players.
He said golf is steadily expanding its reach and holds considerable potential in Chhattisgarh. The State Government will extend all possible support to promote the sport, strengthen facilities and organise prestigious tournaments in the state.
*Sports Infrastructure and Opportunities for Talent Being Expanded
Chief Minister Shri Sai said the State Government views sports as an important means of building discipline, confidence and personality among youth while strengthening Chhattisgarh’s identity.
The state is continuously expanding sports infrastructure and organising national-level competitions across different disciplines. Under the Mukhyamantri Khel Utkarsh Mission, the state is identifying talented sportspersons and providing modern training, better resources, and opportunities to compete at national and international levels.
The Chief Minister said these efforts are being advanced in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Khelo India’ and ‘Fit India’.
Referring to major sporting initiatives in the state, he said around 2,500 players from different states participated in the National Tribal Games. At the same time, the Bastar Olympics and Surguja Olympics have provided platforms to thousands of children and youth from remote regions.
*Sports Reflect Bastar’s Journey Towards Peace and New Aspirations
Chief Minister Shri Sai said Bastar is rapidly moving towards peace, trust, development and new possibilities, and the participation of large numbers of youth in the Bastar Olympics reflects this positive transformation.
He said young people in areas once affected by violence and Naxalism are increasingly expressing their talent, energy and aspirations through sports.
Along with cricket, hockey, archery and athletics, major professional golf tournaments will add another dimension to Chhattisgarh’s growing sporting ecosystem, he said.
*Chief Minister Invites Golfers to Explore Chhattisgarh
Welcoming players from India and abroad, Chief Minister Shri Sai invited them to experience Chhattisgarh’s natural beauty, tribal culture and tourist destinations during their stay.
He particularly referred to Bastar’s Chitrakote Waterfall, popularly known as the Niagara of India, its forests and other natural attractions, as well as the hills, forests and distinctive culture of Surguja.
The Chief Minister said players should return from the tournament carrying not only memories of golf but also the warmth of Chhattisgarh’s hospitality and experiences of its natural and cultural heritage.
He thanked the sponsors, PGTI, and everyone involved in organising the tournament, and extended his best wishes for its success.
*Major Golf Tournament Should Be Held Every Year: Kapil Dev
PGTI President Shri Kapil Dev thanked Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and the State Government for supporting the ‘DP World Nava Raipur Open 2026’. He said major professional tournaments play an important role in strengthening sporting culture and inspiring emerging talent.
Shri Kapil Dev said Chhattisgarh has significant potential for golf development and expressed the desire that the tournament be held in Chhattisgarh every year, with dates for future editions decided in advance, so professional golfers from India and abroad can plan their participation in Chhattisgarh in accordance with their international tournament calendars.
He said Chhattisgarh offers a favourable environment for golf and expressed confidence that, just as Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata are recognised as prominent golf centres, Chhattisgarh can also establish itself as one of the country’s major golf destinations.
PGTI CEO Shri Amandeep Chahal said professional players visiting Chhattisgarh have appreciated the golf course, arrangements and hospitality and have expressed interest in returning to play in the state.
The ‘DP World Nava Raipur Open 2026’ provides leading Indian and international golfers with a prestigious competitive platform while helping establish Nava Raipur and Chhattisgarh on the national and global golf map.
