Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the state’s sports ecosystem by selecting 156 Outstanding Athletes for official recognition and announcing measures to provide them with government employment, modern training facilities, and enhanced opportunities for athletic development.
The decision was taken during a High-Level Committee Meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday. The meeting reviewed applications submitted for the 2018–19 and 2019–20 selection cycles and finalized the list of eligible athletes after a comprehensive evaluation.
156 Athletes from 20 Sports Selected
According to the state government, 156 athletes representing 20 different sports disciplines have been selected as Outstanding Athletes.
The approved list will now be forwarded to the General Administration Department (GAD) for official notification. Once the notification is issued, the process of providing government employment to eligible athletes will begin in accordance with the state’s recruitment policy.
The announcement comes after a long wait for athletes whose applications had remained pending for several years.
Government Jobs for Outstanding Athletes
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai directed officials to ensure a transparent, time-bound, and merit-based system for recognizing sports talent.
He said that selected athletes would be provided government jobs based on their eligibility and qualifications. The Chief Minister also emphasized that these accomplished athletes should play an active role in the state’s sports development by contributing to coaching, talent identification, and mentoring young athletes.
According to the government, their experience at the national and international levels will help inspire and guide the next generation of sportspersons.
Focus on Modern Sports Infrastructure
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government’s objective extends beyond honoring athletes. The state aims to build a comprehensive sports ecosystem where talented players are identified early—from villages to the state level—and provided with modern training, high-quality sports infrastructure, and competitive opportunities.
He stated that the government is continuously investing in:
- Expansion of sports infrastructure
- Development of modern training facilities
- Establishment of new sports academies
- Creation of a supportive environment for athletes
The long-term goal is to produce athletes capable of representing Chhattisgarh and India at national and international competitions.
182 Outstanding Athletes Recognized So Far
Officials informed the committee that, with the latest selection process, the state has now declared 182 Outstanding Athletes under the government’s recognition program.
The applications for the 2018–19 and 2019–20 categories were scrutinized according to prescribed eligibility criteria before the final list of 156 qualified athletes was approved.
The government believes the initiative will strengthen the state’s sporting culture while creating better career opportunities for talented athletes.
Key Highlights
- 156 Outstanding Athletes from 20 sports disciplines have been selected by the Chhattisgarh Government.
- The decision was approved during a High-Level Committee Meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
- The selected athletes will become eligible for government employment after official notification by the General Administration Department.
- The government plans to utilize the athletes’ expertise for coaching, training, and mentoring future sports talent.
- The state is expanding sports infrastructure, establishing new sports academies, and providing modern training facilities.
- The government’s long-term vision is to develop athletes capable of winning honors for Chhattisgarh and India at national and international sporting events.
- 182 Outstanding Athletes have now been recognized under the state’s sports promotion initiative.
