Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday said that with expansion of sports facilities, it should be kept in mind that all the sports activities should not be confined to the cities only.
Rs Rs Need of the hour is to keep sports culture alive in villages,’’ the CM remarked while addressing the virtual bhoomi pujan and inauguration of new sports facilities in Bilaspur and Raipur at cost of Rs 42.14 crore. It includes academies for football, kabaddi, archery and athletics, two sports hostels, an archery training sub-centre and synthetic track-field for athletics.
He said that the state-level selection of players for Athletics, Archery and Hockey Academy in Bilaspur would be held on October 11, 12 and 13, an official statement said.
The Chief Minister further said that the rural talents should get the benefits of sports academies, good playgrounds, good coaches and sports infrastructure.
He further said that there will be no shortage of funds to expand sports facilities in the state including in rural areas. Chhattisgarh Sports Development Authority has been constituted to work on improving sports facilities.
Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitan Club scheme has been started and 13,269 Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitan Clubs are being formed in the state. Along with promoting cultural and sports activities through these clubs, leadership capacity will also be developed among the youth.
Sports and Youth Welfare department minister Umesh Patel presided over the function.
