The Chhattisgarh Government has embarked on an ambitious project to develop the state as a ‘Sports hub.’ Buoyed by the successful holding of the Indian Premier league (IPl) matches on April 28 and May 1 this year at the world-class Shaeed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium at Parseda village in Naya Raipur, the Government is taking steps towards developing world class sporting infrastructure and promotion of sportspersons across Chhattisgarh.
Other than formulation of sports policy, implementation of various schemes is underway for development of sports in State.
Moreover, to encourage sports talent of State and to secure the future of sportspersons, the Government had made a provision of providing government jobs to the excellent sportspersons of State, under its Sports Policy.
This apart, the Sports and Youth Welfare Department of State Government had already been honouring the sportspersons, who have glorified the name of State at national-
international level, with various prestigious awards, medals and titles.
To encourage the budding sports talent, department concerned also honours the local sportspersons at block, district and state-level. In year 2012-13, Rs 21.30 lakh were distributed as cash prizes to 38 sportspersons of state, adorned with various sports awards.
Similarly in January, 2013, the sportspersons, who had secured first, second and third position in various competitions organised under State-level Sports Tournament respectively, were awarded cash prize of total Rs 20.22 lakh.
The winners of half marathon organised on December 16, 2012 at Naya Raipur on account of Vijay Diwas was also awarded cash prize of total Rs 15.75 lakh.
Chhattisgarh is exploring new heights of success in the sports world as well. With successful organisation of IPl matches at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium of Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh has proved that it lags nowhere behind in offering world-class sports facilities. This international event not only added four moons to the glory of Chhattisgarh but has also unleashed plethora of opportunities for development of other sports as well.
As a result of the commitment of Chhattisgarh Government towards development of sports and sportsmen, the state got the opportunity to host IPl and 37th National Games.
The IPl event was a proud moment for Chhattisgarh State when everyone including the IPl Chairman Rajeev Shukla, celebrity cricketers, commentators and viewers were all praises about the quality construction and facilities offered in the stadium. Australian cricketer David Warner praised the stadium saying that “Stadium at Naya Raipur looks like the one in Melbourne. The field is magnificent and beautiful”.
Former West Indies skipper Vivian Richard expressed his saying “We never imagined that Chhattisgarh could have such outstanding stadium. It is simply world-class, a tough competition to world’s best stadiums.”
Former Indian Cricketer Ravi Shastri also opined that Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium is a strong contender for the title of ‘World’s Best Stadium’. Former All Rounder Kapil Dev exclaimed that Raipur’s international cricket stadium is better than the one in Mohali and there is no other stadium in the country as good as this one.
Indian cricketers like Virendra Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, Anil Kumble and cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle have also expressed the similar appreciative thoughts about the stadium. After successful accomplishment of this mega-event, Chhattisgarh is likely to get the opportunities of hosting various national and international tournaments in near future.
As a matter of fact, Chhattisgarh has given not just the infrastructure and facilities but also some of the brilliant sports talent to the sports world. Rustam Saarang- a weightlifter from Chhattisgarh has been selected in the Indian team, which is going to participate in Senior Asian Weightlifting Championship to be organised in the upcoming month of June.
Hockey player from Chhattisgarh Saba Anjum has also brought laurels to the state with his excellent performance in the sport and her role as captain of the women’s hockey team of the country.
Hockey players like Neeta Doomre, Renuka Rajput, Balwinder Kaur, basketball player Anju lakda, netball players Neha Bajaj, Preeti Banchor, cricketer Rajesh Chauhan and various excellent sportsperson of Chhattisharh have glorified the name of state in the sports world.
Especially in the field of basketball, both girls and boys team of Chhattisgarh have always carved a niche for themselves at national and international levels with their excellent performances. Both the teams of state have bagged various medals at national-level in both the categories.
Despite the limited resources and facilities available in the new state, the sportspersons of Chhattisgarh have always made a mark with their hard work.
last year in the month of November, State's basketball team had clinched gold medal in the basketball competition of National Women Sports Tournament held in Bhubaneshwar. likewise, in January 2013, sportsperson from Chhattisgarh bagged gold medal in the weightlifting competition of All India Rural Sports Tournament held in Bhubaneshwar.