nFor the first time since the birth of Chhattisgarh, a 'Residential Hockey Academy' is being set up in the state to promote the national game.
In addition, an Excellence Centre is being established in Bahtarai in Bilaspur for Athletics, Wrestling and Swimming.
Under the Khelo India Yojana of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, a proposal for the Residential Hockey Academy in Raipur and the Excellence Centre was sent to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) which has approved it.
Realizing the vision of ‘Gadhbo Nava Chhattisgarh’, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has commenced a new chapter of sports development, an official statement said on Friday.
Baghel and Sports Minister Umesh Patel have congratulated the young sportspersons, coaches and officials-employees of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department in the state on getting affiliation for the Residential Hockey Academy and the Excellence Centre.
Baghel has constituted the Chhattisgarh Sports Development Authority for maintenance of sports infrastructure and for operating Residential Sports Academies in the state.
The Sports and Youth Welfare Department is creating new posts for sports coaches across the state. At the Excellence Centre, young sports talent would be polished with necessary training.
The SAI and the government’s Sports and Youth Welfare Department will soon sign a MoU for a Chhattisgarh Hockey Academy in Raipur.