Sports inculcate courage , strengthen determination in youth: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addressing the closing and prize distribution ceremony of Wako India National Kick Boxing Championship 2025 organised at Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in the capital Raipur on Sunday July 20, 2025-PhotoCredit0CG/PR

Chief Minister Sai attended the closing and prize distribution ceremony of Wako India National Kick Boxing Championship 2025

Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the closing and prize distribution ceremony of Wako India National Kick Boxing Championship 2025 organised at Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in the capital Raipur on Sunday July 20, 2025 .

On this occasion, Chief Minister Sai warmly welcomed and congratulated about 1200 participants and 300 coaches from 28 states of the country in Chhattisgarh, the maternal home of Lord Shri Ram and the holy land of Mother Kaushalya, and said that it is the good fortune of the state that Wako India National Kick Boxing Federation chose Chhattisgarh for this prestigious event.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Raipur Mayor Meenal Choubey posing with holding a trophy won by Punjab -Photo Credit -CG/PR

Making the participants aware of the features of Chhattisgarh state, the Chief Minister said that it is a small but very prosperous state located in the heart of the country, 44 percent of whose land is covered with picturesque forests.

There is a dense Abujhmad region spread over 5,000 square kilometers, where the rays of the sun do not even reach. The state has picturesque waterfalls, beautiful caves, rich mineral wealth and cultural diversity. Chief Minister Sai said that in accordance with the resolution of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Naxalism in Chhattisgarh is now in its last phase. He also invited players from all over the country to visit Chhattisgarh.

Chief Minister Sai said that sports like kick boxing develop courage, strength and determination in the youth. He said that “this event will definitely give Chhattisgarh a more strong place on the national sports map.”

The Chief Minister congratulated the Kick Boxing Association of Chhattisgarh for this grand event and said that sports are an integral part of life, which not only teaches physical health but also discipline, confidence and dedication.

He urged the participants to keep moving forward towards their goals with hard work, dedication and passion. The Chief Minister said, “Winning and losing are part of life, but the real goal should be to recognize and improve one’s potential.”

While praising the Khelo India program run under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Sai said that all 33 districts of Chhattisgarh have been linked to this scheme, so that players from both urban and rural areas can get equal opportunities.

He said that the state government is paying special attention to the development of infrastructure, training and incentive schemes to promote sports. He also said that the scheme to give prize money of Rs 1 to 3 crore to the players winning medals in international events like Olympics is a reflection of the government’s commitment.

Referring to the Chhattisgarh Sports Promotion Scheme, the Chief Minister said that under this scheme, upgradation of sports grounds, arrangement of high-level equipment, financial assistance to sports clubs and organisation of traditional games have been ensured.

At the end of the program, the Chief Minister wished all the participants good luck for their participation in the competition and hoped that in the coming years, Chhattisgarh will play a leading role in the field of sports in the country.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai , Raipur MLA Brijmohan Agarwal , Raipur mayor Meenal Choubey greeting players with waving hands -Photo Credit -CG/PR

Addressing the program, MP Brijmohan Agarwal said that sports like kick boxing are very important for self-defense, especially for girls. He appealed to all school students to include sports in their daily routine along with studies. He said that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body and under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, sports are being encouraged at every level in the state. He informed that sports academies and infrastructure are also being built rapidly in the state.

Mayor Smt. Meenal Chaubey also addressed the program and encouraged all the players and wished them a bright future.

On this occasion, Waco India National Kick Boxing Federation President Santosh Agarwal, Chhattisgarh Kick Boxing Association President Chhagan Mundhra, Chhattisgarh State Minority Commission President Amarjeet Chhabra, Observer Renu Parikh, Murali Sharma, local public representatives and sports lovers were present.

Punjab secured first position in the competition with 22 gold, 18 silver and 26 bronze medals. Maharashtra secured second position with 21 gold, 16 silver and 29 bronze medals and Tamil Nadu secured third position with 12 gold, 14 silver and 15 bronze medals. Chhattisgarh secured sixth position at national level by winning 8 gold, 13 silver and 37 bronze medals in this championship, which is a matter of pride for the state. Along with this, Assam Rifles was awarded as the best disciplined team.