Raipur. The state government has taken a significant initiative to provide national and international recognition to emerging athletes from Chhattisgarh. The framework for the ‘Chief Minister’s Sports Excellence Mission’ (Mukhyamantri Khel Utkarsh Mission) has been approved by the Council of Ministers. Through this mission, a structured system will be developed—ranging from the identification of sporting talent within the state to preparing athletes to win medals. The government has allocated ₹100 crore for this scheme in the budget for the 2026-27 financial year.
Identifying athletes through talent hunts
Under the mission, talented athletes will be identified through schools and specialized selection camps. Additionally, the ‘Chief Minister’s Trophy’ (Mukhyamantri Trophy) will help bring emerging sporting talent from villages and cities to the forefront. Selected athletes will be registered in an Athlete Management System (AMS) to maintain a systematic record of their training, performance, and progress.
Training facilities at three levels
To enhance the capabilities of athletes, a three-tier training structure has been designed. In the first phase, athletes will receive foundational training at ‘feeder centers.’ Subsequently, they will receive advanced, sport-specific training at state sports academies.
In the final phase, ‘high-performance centers’ will provide expert coaching alongside modern facilities, such as sports science support and performance analysis. The focus will be on improving the athletes’ technique, fitness, and competitive edge.
Feeder centers to open in 6 cities in the first phase
In the initial phase of the Chief Minister’s Sports Excellence Mission, feeder centers will be established in six cities across the state: Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Ambikapur, Jagdalpur, and Jashpur. These centers aim to provide local-level training and opportunities for athletes to advance in their sporting careers.
Special focus on 10 key sports
The mission will encompass 10 major sports disciplines. It proposes categorizing athletes into ‘core’ and ‘development’ groups. Athletes with a strong potential to win medals in national and international competitions will be provided with special financial assistance, modern sports equipment, and opportunities to gain international-level experience.
Furthermore, athletes will undergo regular evaluations based on their performance and the results achieved in competitions. The objective of this government initiative is to prepare the state’s sporting talent for competition at the national and international levels by providing them with superior training, modern resources, and appropriate opportunities.
