Raipur : In a landmark decision for the sporting community, the Government of Chhattisgarh has officially notified a list of 156 outstanding sportspersons from 20 different sports disciplines, paving the way for their appointment to government services under the state’s Outstanding Sportsperson Appointment Policy, 2007.
The long-awaited notification, published by the General Administration Department (GAD) in the state gazette, brings an end to an eight-year wait for many athletes whose applications had remained pending since 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Chief Minister-Led Committee Approved the Final List
The final list of selected athletes was approved during a high-level committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on June 30, 2026. Following the committee’s approval, the proposal was forwarded to the General Administration Department, which completed the formal process and issued the official gazette notification.
The decision marks a significant step in recognizing the achievements of athletes who have represented the state and country with distinction.
Government Jobs Under Outstanding Sportsperson Policy
With the gazette notification now in effect, the selected athletes will become eligible for appointment to government posts under the Outstanding Sportsperson Appointment Policy, 2007. The policy aims to reward exceptional sporting achievements by providing employment opportunities in government departments.
The move is expected to provide long-term career security to athletes while encouraging young sportspersons across the state to pursue excellence in sports.
Applications from 2018-19 and 2019-20 Finally Processed
The selection committee, comprising Deputy Chief Minister and Sports & Youth Welfare Minister Arun Sao along with other members, conducted a detailed review of all applications received for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 sessions.
After extensive scrutiny of performances, eligibility criteria, and supporting documents, 156 athletes were selected across multiple sporting disciplines.
Sports Minister Calls It a Historic Day
Welcoming the decision, Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao described the notification as a major milestone for sports in Chhattisgarh.
He said the Sports Department’s proposal had received formal approval from the General Administration Department, enabling the selected athletes to secure opportunities in government employment.
According to him, the decision fulfills another commitment of the state government towards promoting sports and supporting talented athletes.
20 Sports Disciplines Included
The notified list covers athletes from 20 sporting disciplines, reflecting the state’s diverse sporting talent. These include:
- Archery
- Badminton
- Fencing
- Hockey
- Karate
- Kayaking, Canoeing & Dragon Boat
- Athletics & Para Athletics
- Swimming & Para Swimming
- Soft Tennis
- Wushu
- Basketball
- Handball
- Netball
- Wheelchair Fencing
- Softball
- Volleyball
- Para Powerlifting
- Weightlifting
- Cycling (Special Olympics)
- Other recognized sporting events under the policy.
Notable Athletes on the List
Among the athletes included are several accomplished names from different disciplines, including:
- Aakarshi Kashyap (Badminton)
- Renuka Yadav (Hockey)
- Dharmesh Gophane, Bindeshwari Maravi, and Nitya Dhruve (Archery)
- Swati Vishwakarma (Fencing)
- Rupesh Das and Bonita Talukdar (Karate)
- Sangeeta Masih (Athletics)
- Mamta Mishra (Para Swimming)
- Farhan Anjum (Basketball)
- Komal Kumar Markam (Wheelchair Fencing)
Along with these athletes, dozens of others from across the state have also been recognized for their outstanding performances at national and international competitions.
Major Boost for Chhattisgarh Sports Ecosystem
The notification is being viewed as a major morale booster for the sporting community. By ensuring government employment for outstanding athletes, the state aims to encourage greater participation in sports while providing financial and career stability to players who have excelled in their respective disciplines.
Sports experts believe the decision will motivate aspiring athletes, strengthen the state’s sports ecosystem, and reinforce the government’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent.
The publication of the list officially concludes a long-pending process and opens a new chapter for 156 outstanding sportspersons, whose years of dedication and achievement have now been formally recognized by the Government of Chhattisgarh.
