Raipur |: The Government of Chhattisgarh has announced a major push to strengthen the state’s sporting ecosystem by allocating ₹100 crore for the Chief Minister Sports Excellence Mission (Mukhyamantri Khel Utkarsh Mission) during the 2026–27 financial year. The initiative aims to develop world-class sports infrastructure, identify emerging talent, encourage women’s participation in sports, and nurture athletes capable of competing at national and international levels.
The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister and Sports & Youth Welfare Minister Arun Sao, who outlined the department’s achievements, ongoing initiatives, and future roadmap for transforming Chhattisgarh into a leading sporting state.
₹100 Crore for Sports Excellence Mission
According to Arun Sao, the state government has earmarked ₹100 crore under the Chief Minister Sports Excellence Mission to create a comprehensive sports development framework.
The mission will focus on:
- Strengthening sports infrastructure across the state
- Identifying and nurturing young sporting talent
- Encouraging greater participation of women athletes
- Providing advanced training facilities
- Preparing athletes for national and international competitions
The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem in Chhattisgarh.
₹57 Crore Under Chhattisgarh Sports Promotion Scheme
In addition to the flagship mission, the government has allocated ₹57 crore under the Chhattisgarh Sports Promotion Scheme to further support sports development initiatives, improve training facilities, and promote grassroots sporting activities throughout the state.
The funding is expected to enhance coaching infrastructure, athlete welfare programmes, and sports competitions at various levels.
State Hockey League Under Preparation
One of the key announcements made by the Sports Minister was the government’s plan to organize a Chhattisgarh Hockey League, which is currently under preparation.
The proposed league aims to:
- Promote hockey across the state
- Provide competitive exposure to young players
- Identify emerging talent
- Create professional opportunities for athletes
- Strengthen Chhattisgarh’s presence in Indian hockey
Officials believe the league will serve as a platform for aspiring players to showcase their skills and progress to higher levels of competition.
Advanced Training for Coaches
To improve the quality of coaching in the state’s sports academies, the government has sent 14 trainers to Patiala for high-level professional training.
The initiative is expected to enhance coaching standards and ensure that athletes receive modern, scientific, and internationally aligned training methods across various sports disciplines.
Expansion of Sports Administration
As part of efforts to strengthen sports governance, the government has created Sports Officer positions in six newly formed districts, including:
- Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi
- Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai
- Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki
- Sarangarh-Bilaigarh
- Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur
- Sakti
The appointments are expected to improve sports administration and facilitate better implementation of government programmes at the district level.
Recruitment Drive Underway
The Sports and Youth Welfare Department is also undertaking a large-scale recruitment process to strengthen its workforce.
Recruitment is currently underway for:
- 44 Coaches
- 4 District Sports Officers
- 23 Assistant Grade-III Officials
- 8 Wardens
These appointments are expected to improve athlete support services and enhance the management of sports academies and training centres across the state.
Sports Budget Sees Massive Growth
Highlighting the government’s increased investment in sports, Arun Sao stated that when Chhattisgarh was formed, the Sports and Youth Welfare Department operated with a budget of only ₹4 crore.
For the 2026–27 financial year, the department’s budget has grown to ₹304 crore, reflecting the state’s expanding focus on sports development, infrastructure creation, and athlete welfare.
Promoting Sports in Tribal Regions
The minister emphasized the government’s efforts to connect remote tribal communities with sports through large-scale sporting events.
For the past two years, the state has successfully organized the Bastar Olympics, encouraging participation from athletes in tribal and forest regions.
Building on this success, the government has launched the Surguja Olympics this year, providing another platform for rural and tribal youth to showcase their sporting abilities.
These initiatives aim to promote social inclusion, grassroots talent development, and community participation through sports.
Hosting Khelo India Tribal Games
Arun Sao also highlighted Chhattisgarh’s successful hosting of the country’s first Khelo India Tribal Games, describing it as a landmark achievement that has elevated the state’s reputation on India’s sporting map.
The event showcased the rich sporting talent of tribal communities while strengthening Chhattisgarh’s identity as an emerging destination for major national sporting events.
Towards a Sporting Future
With record budget allocations, expanded sports infrastructure, professional coaching initiatives, new recruitment drives, and plans for a state-level Hockey League, the Chhattisgarh Government is taking significant steps to build a vibrant and inclusive sports culture.
The Chief Minister Sports Excellence Mission, supported by increased investment and grassroots programmes such as the Bastar Olympics and Surguja Olympics, is expected to play a pivotal role in identifying future champions, empowering young athletes, and positioning Chhattisgarh as one of India’s leading states for sports development.
