Chhattisgarh’s thriving sports environment has paved the way for international-level events in the state. The state capital Raipur recently hosted its inaugural international cricket, chess, and badminton competitions, showcasing the region’s potential to the world. This milestone not only enhanced Chhattisgarh’s global reputation but also shed light on its rich culture, lifestyle, cuisine, and scenic beauty.
The Chhattisgarh Government, led by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and supervised by Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Umesh Patel, is determined to transform the state into a sporting hub. To nurture talented athletes from rural areas, the state government is constructing sports academies based on geographical location and sports skills.
This inclusive approach has yielded positive outcomes, as players hailing from remote areas like Narayanpur are now achieving remarkable success and bringing glory to the state through their sportsmanship. This initiative highlights the state government’s commitment to promoting sports and providing opportunities for athletes from all backgrounds.
Chhattisgarh witnessed its first-ever international cricket match on January 21, 2023, as India played against New Zealand at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur.
Additionally, the Road Safety Cricket Competition took place at the same venue from March 2 to 21, 2021. Following its success, the tournament was again held in 2022, from September 27 to October 1. The event garnered immense popularity, with teams from India, South Africa, Australia, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka participating. People were thrilled to witness players like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Jonty Rhodes, and Muralitharan showcasing their skills on the field.
The Chief Minister’s Trophy International Grandmasters Chess Tournament concluded in Raipur from September 19 to 28, 2022. Chess enthusiasts from 21 states in India, as well as players from countries such as the USA, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Poland, Vietnam, Colombia, Iran, Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Nepal, participated in the tournament.
The event boasted the presence of 16 Grand Masters, 27 International Masters, 3 Women Grand Masters, 11 Women International Masters, 14 FIDE Masters, 375 International Rated Players, and players from various other categories. The participants were highly impressed by the local culture and warmth. They expressed gratitude to the state government for organising a successful event and expressed a desire to return if tournaments are to be held in the future.
The Chief Minister’s Trophy International Badminton Competition took place for the first time ever in Raipur from September 20–25, 2022. Over 550 badminton players from India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Canada, USA, Maldives, Mauritius, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Japan, Uganda, and Zambia participated in this prestigious international event.
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