Raipur, 29 August 2017. Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh revealed that new State Sports’ Policy will be unveiled in a month’s time in Chhattisgarh to give a boost to talented sportspersons. He added that for the past several years the citizens had been awaiting for new Sports Policy. The State Government had consulted various sports’ organizations and senior sportspersons and formulated the policy. He called upon the budding sports stars to start preparations for participating in the Olympics. Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh was addressing the gathering on the auspicious occasion of Hockey wizard Dhyanchand Jayanti celebrated as National Sports Day in the entire country. The event was conducted at Indoor Stadium. Dr. Raman Singh felicitated 316 sportspersons with awards and citations. About 241 sportspersons were given cash awards. Chief Minister congratulated the sportspersons and wished them a bright future. Dr. Raman Singh launched a book giving detailed sketches of the talented sportspersons. He said that the State citizens are waiting for the day when sportspersons will earn Gold at the Olympics and will arrive in the State. It may be mentioned that the State Sports Ceremony is being held in the State since 2004 in the august presence of Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh. Dr. Raman Singh revealed salient details of the new Sports Policy to be launched soon. The policy will give a boost to the sports and games being played in far-flung regions Bastar and Surguja districts. The awards’ money will also be increased manifold. Academies will be established for various sports. Talented sportspersons will be spotted at the gram panchayats and school colleges-level, districts and divisions and will be provided with hostel facilities. Assembly Speaker Mr. Gowrishankar Agrawal also congratulated the sport persons who won laurels in the State. He appreciated the State Sports Ceremony which gives a boost to the morale of the players. State Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Mr. Bhaiyyalal Rajwade also addressed the gathering. He said that this ceremony is the biggest of its kind in the entire country. He paid respects to Major Dhyanchand. New Sports Policy will be launched soon. Mr. Rajwade said that State Government always encouraged sportspersons by giving hikes in awards’ money and various other facilities like changing rules to benefit them. Sports and Youth Development Secretary Mr. Sonmani Bora in his welcome address said that Chief Minister personally participates in the Sports Ceremonies to encourage players. There is a provision for sports awards for disabled persons also. Chief Minister Trophy had been constituted for the first time for team games. Pankaj Awards is being given to 25 players this time. Dr.Raman Singh felicitated International Basketball player Miss. Shiba Maggon who had specially flown from New Delhi for the ceremony. She umpired many international Basketball matches and represented India. Chief Minister also felicitated Chhattisgarh Olympics Federation vice-president Mr. Vikram Sisodiya who is nominated as Chief-De-Mission for the 21st Commonwealth Games. Union Minister of State for Steel Mr. Vishnudev Sahay, MP Mr. Ramesh Bais, Food Minister Mr. Punnulal Mohale, Public Works Minister Mr. Rajesh Munat, Textbooks Corporation Chairman Mr. Devjibhai Patel, MLAs Mr. Sreechand Sundrani, Mr. Satyanarayan Sharma, Mayor Mr. Pramod Dube, State Youth Commission Chairman Mr. Kamalchand Bhanjdeo, State Women’s Commission Chairperson Mrs. Harshita Pande, Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission Chairman Mr. Sanjay Agrawal and several prominent personalities were also present.
