Chhattisgarh Olympic Association general secretary Vikram Singh Sisodia meets union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya to push for development

RAIPUR: In a significant development aimed at bolstering the sports infrastructure and opportunities in Chhattisgarh, the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association (CGOA) office bearer met with Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi on Monday to discuss a strategic roadmap for the holistic development of sports in the state.The meeting focused on a range of issues, including the need for central assistance in establishing state-of-the-art training facilities, enhancing grassroots-level sports programmes, and extending institutional support to athletes representing Chhattisgarh at the national and international levels. The COA General Secretary, Vikram Singh Sisodia, apprised the Union Minister of the challenges faced by sportspersons in the region, particularly in rural and tribal-dominated districts where raw talent often lacks access to professional coaching, equipment, and exposure."The state has immense potential in disciplines like athletics, archery, wrestling, and hockey, especially among youth from tribal regions. With structured support and better infrastructure, many of these athletes can be groomed for national and even Olympic participation," the General Secretary said after the meeting.Minister Mandaviya reportedly assured full cooperation from the central government and expressed keen interest in promoting sports across backward regions through targeted interventions.The minister highlighted the Union government’s commitment to building a strong sporting ecosystem and emphasized that states like Chhattisgarh must be actively included in the national sports development narrative.During the interaction, the CGOA also requested support for organizing national-level championships in Chhattisgarh, which would not only inspire local talent but also boost sporting culture in the state. The association proposed Raipur and Bilaspur as potential hubs for hosting such events, citing available infrastructure and government willingness to collaborate.The meeting comes at a time when Chhattisgarh is seeking to revamp its sports policy and align it with national goals, especially ahead of major national and international sporting events. The state government has revived its proposal to host the national games.The General Secretary of CGOA attended the Annual General Meeting of the Badminton Association of India (BAI) and held discussions with BAI President and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and General Secretary Sanjay Mishra. The talks focused on advancing badminton in Chhattisgarh through enhanced infrastructure, talent development, and national-level collaboration. The leaders expressed commitment to strengthening the sport at the grassroots and state levels, paving the way for greater participation and performance from Chhattisgarh shuttlers.