Ultramodern sports facilities are being developed at an accelerated pace in Chhattisgarh, helping the state to establish a unique identity in the sports world.
This follows Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel’s vision of ‘Khelbo-Jeetbo-Gadhbo Nava Chhattisgarh’ policy. Sportsperson can now avail world class sports training in the state itself.
The state has made major strides in development of sports infrastructure. Under Baghel's and Sports Minister Umesh Patel's guidance, both modern and traditional sports are being promoted in the state.
A Sports Development Authority has come up to promote sports and enhance sports facilities. Various modern academies have been opened to boost sports. The government has upgraded the many underutilized grounds and infrastructure and made them available to sportspersons.
On November 19, Baghel laid the foundation stone for a Tennis Sport Academy on four acres of land adjoining Agricultural University Cultural Building in Raipur. The Sports and Youth Welfare Department has sanctioned Rs 17 crore to construct the academy.
With a residential hockey academy for boys and girls in Raipur and a Swimming, Wrestling and Athletic Excellence Center in Nyayadhani Bilaspur, there will be no need to go outside the state for training. The Sports Authority of India has recognized both these institutions.
The Centre has issued administrative approval of Rs 4.50 crore to build a multipurpose indoor hall in Ambikapur and Rs 6.60 crore to construct a synthetic athletic track in Mahasamund.
The new synthetic turf hockey stadium in Bilaspur has been renamed as late B.R. Yadav Hockey Stadium.
Providing world class sports training facilities is the top priority of the government. In the same sequence, preparations are on to recruit coaches of various sports, if needed from outside the state.
A Rajya Yuva Mahotsav was held last year in Raipur. Baghel wants this to be organized every year.
Under the 'One State-One Game' policy, Chhattisgarh has been entrusted with the responsibility of training and preparing talented archers to represent India in Olympics 2024. In the same sequence, astroturf is being developed to promote hockey in Jashpur. A hockey stadium is being built at Patan-Marra. A Judo Academy has been set up in Durg.