High-level committee meeting chaired by CM Shri Vishnu Deo Sai; 156 players found eligible in the selection process for outstanding sportspersons

Shri Sai calls for modern training, better sports infrastructure and greater opportunities to nurture Chhattisgarh’s sporting talent

Raipur, June 30,2026/ A high-level committee chaired by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday finalised the selection of 156 outstanding sportspersons from 20 disciplines for 2018-19 and 2019-20. The approved list will be sent to the General Administration Department for notification, following which the process of appointing the selected athletes to government service will begin.

Chairing the meeting at his residence office, Shri Sai directed officials to ensure a transparent, time-bound and merit-based system to promote sporting talent. He said eligible athletes would be provided government employment and their experience should also be utilised for coaching, talent development and mentoring young sportspersons.

The Chief Minister said the government’s objective is not only to honour athletes but also to build a strong sports ecosystem that identifies talent from the grassroots and provides modern training, quality infrastructure and competitive opportunities. He reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding sports infrastructure, developing modern facilities and establishing new sports academies to produce athletes capable of excelling at national and international levels.

It was informed in the meeting that a total of 182 outstanding players have so far been declared in the state. In the same sequence, advertisements had earlier been issued inviting applications for the years 2018–19 and 2019–20. Based on the scrutiny of the applications received and the prescribed eligibility criteria, 156 players were found eligible.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Rahul Bhagat, General Administration Department Secretary Shri Avinash Champawat, Sports and Youth Welfare Secretary Shri Yashwant Kumar, and Director of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department Smt. Tanuja Salam were present at the meeting.