Our Correspondent
AMBIKAPUR
Surguja, the land known for its deep sporting spirit, is once again set to witness a grand celebration of athleticism as it prepares to host the 2025 State-Level Sports Competition. The district administration has completed all arrangements for the 25th edition of the event, scheduled to begin on October 28.
As per information, teams from all five divisions of Chhattisgarh — Durg, Raipur, Bilaspur, Surguja and Bastar — will participate in the mega event. A grand opening ceremony will take place on October 28 at the Multipurpose School Grounds, Ambikapur.
Minister Rajesh Agrawal and Member of Parliament Chintamani Maharaj will be the distinguished guests at the inaugural function. Minister-in-Charge OP Choudhary, Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, and other dignitaries are expected to grace the closing ceremony on October 31.
The 2025 State-Level Sports Competition will feature Football (Girls – Under 19), Badminton (Boys and Girls – Under 14, 17, and 19), Cricket (Boys – Under 14), and Basketball (Boys and Girls – Under 14, 17, and 19).
A detailed review meeting was held at the District Collectorate under the chairmanship of Collector Vilas Bhoskar to assess the preparations.
The meeting was attended by the District Education Officer, Sports Officer, and officials from the Public Works, Health, Transport, and Municipal Corporation departments.
The Collector directed all concerned officials to ensure that the competition is organised with the same standard of excellence, discipline, and inspiration as in previous years.
He emphasised that particular focus must be laid on accommodation, food, transportation, medical facilities, and security arrangements for the participating athletes so that they can compete with confidence and enthusiasm.
“The hospitality and organisational capability of Surguja should once again set an example for the entire state,” the Collector remarked.
District Education Officer Dr Dinesh Jha informed that all sports grounds have been thoroughly inspected and that necessary repairs, equipment arrangements, and decorations have been completed. He added that accommodations for the players have been readied, and rehearsals for cultural programmes and the march-past are in their final stages.
“Surguja is a land full of sporting talent. This event will offer our youth a golden opportunity to showcase their abilities at the state and national levels. Sports nurture discipline, team spirit, and self-confidence, which form the essence of this festival,” said Dr Jha.
The Surguja administration, in collaboration with the Education Department and the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, is working in unison to make the event grand, safe, and inspiring. The Municipal Corporation is overseeing the decoration of venues and reception areas, while the Health Department has deployed medical teams and ensured ambulance services throughout the competition.
As part of the preparations, the district has been given a festive look, with banners, flags, and hoardings welcoming participants and visitors. Roads leading to the main grounds have been cleaned and illuminated, while local schools and volunteers have joined hands to ensure smooth management during the event.
The atmosphere in Ambikapur is already charged with excitement, as hundreds of athletes, coaches, officials, and sports enthusiasts from across Chhattisgarh are expected to arrive. The competition is being seen not only as a celebration of sporting excellence but also as a showcase of Surguja’s cultural and organisational prowess.
This grand gathering, often described as the Mahakumbh of Sports, will serve as a powerful platform for emerging players to display their skills and ambition. It also aims to strengthen the bond of unity among divisions while promoting a strong sports culture across the state.
As Surguja opens its arms to welcome participants from every corner of Chhattisgarh, the 25th State-Level Sports Competition is set to become not just a sporting event but a festival of determination, teamwork, and pride.
Officials say the event will not only highlight Surguja’s deep-rooted sporting legacy but will also reinforce its image as a centre of excellence and inspiration for future athletes.