Chhattisgarh CM announces Rs 30 lakh, DSP post for CWG silver medallist

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday, July 3, announced a cash reward of Rs 30 lakh and an out-of-turn promotion to the post of deputy superintendent of police (DSP) for weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav, who won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026.

The 23-year-old from Rajnandgaon district won silver in the women's 53 kg weightlifting category at the recently concluded event in Glasgow, Scotland.

Yadav, along with her parents, met the chief minister at his official residence, where she was felicitated for bringing laurels to the country and her home state, officials said.

Sai said Yadav's success in her maiden Commonwealth Games proved that no goal was unattainable with strong willpower, discipline and perseverance. The achievement is an honor to the state's talent, hard work and determination, he added.

The chief minister noted that Yadav lifted a total of 199 kg in the competition to secure the silver medal, scripting what he called a golden chapter in Chhattisgarh's sporting history. 

Despite limited resources and several challenges, Yadav didn't let her dreams weaken and achieved success on the international stage through relentless practice and dedication, Sai said, adding that her achievement would inspire the state's youth, particularly girls.

Yadav, an Asian Championships bronze medallist, was appointed assistant sub-inspector (ASI) in the Chhattisgarh Police in Rajnandgaon district in August 2023, officials said. Sai said the state government had decided to grant her an out-of-turn promotion to the rank of DSP to honor her accomplishment and encourage other sportspersons to strive for excellence.

He recalled meeting Yadav before she departed for Glasgow, wishing her success, and congratulating her through a video call after her medal-winning performance.

The chief minister said the state government is committed to strengthening sports by developing modern infrastructure and providing world-class training, quality coaching and all possible support to talented athletes.

The government's objective, he said, is to create an ecosystem for every promising sportsperson from Chhattisgarh to realize their potential and excel at national and international competitions.

(With inputs from PTI)