Chief Minister Raman Singh on Tuesday announced that the new State Sports Policy will be unveiled in a month’s time in Chhattisgarh to provide a boost to talented sportspersons.
He said that for the past several years, the citizens had been awaiting a new Sports Policy.
The State Government had consulted various sports organizations and senior sportspersons and formulated the policy, Singh said
He called upon the budding sports stars to start preparations for participating in the Olympics.
The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering on the occasion of Hockey wizard Major Dhyanchand's birth anniversary celebrated as National Sports Day in the entire country at Indoor Stadium here.
Singh, on the occasion, felicitated 316 sportspersons with awards and citations. About 241 sportspersons were given cash awards.
The Chief Minister congratulated the sportspersons and wished them a bright future.
Singh later launched a book giving detailed sketches of the talented sportspersons.
He said that the citizens are waiting for the day when sportspersons will earn Gold at the Olympics and will arrive in the State.
It may be mentioned that the State Sports Ceremony is being held in the State since 2004 in the presence of Chief Minister Raman Singh.
Singh revealed salient details of the new Sports Policy to be launched soon.
The policy will give a boost to the sports and games being played in far-flung regions Bastar and Surguja districts, he said.
The award money will also be increased manifold. Academies will be established for various sports. Talented sportspersons will be identified at the gram panchayats and school college-level, districts and divisions and will be provided with hostel facilities, he said.
Assembly Speaker Gourishankar Agrawal also congratulated the sportspersons who brought laurels to the State.
He appreciated the State Sports Ceremony which gives a boost to the morale of the players. State Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Bhaiyyalal Rajwade also addressed the gathering.
Sports and Youth Welfare Department Secretary Sonmoni Borah in his welcome address earlier said that Chief Minister personally participates in the Sports ceremonies to encourage players. There is a provision for sports awards for disabled persons also.
The Chief Minister Trophy had been introduced for the first time for team games, he said.
Pankaj Awards is being given to 25 players this time.
The Chief Minister felicitated International Basketball player Shiba Maggon who had specially flown from New Delhi for the ceremony.
She umpired many international Basketball matches and represented India.
The Chief Minister also felicitated Chhattisgarh Olympics Federation Vice President Vikram Sisodiya who is nominated as Chief-De-Mission for the 21st Commonwealth Games.