CHIEF Minister Vishnu Deo Sai unveiled the mascot ‘Pahadi Maina’ for 36th National Sub-Junior and Junior Kayaking-Canoeing Championship at his official residence in Raipur. Extending his best wishes to the organisers for the successful conduct of the event, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the State Government is continuously working towards the development of sports and providing better opportunities to athletes across Chhattisgarh. He emphasised that sports are not merely a platform for competition, but a powerful medium for discipline, leadership and personality development.

 

The Chief Minister said that government is strengthening sports infrastructure in the state while ensuring that athletes receive opportunities to showcase their talent at national and international levels. He expressed confidence that the upcoming National Kayaking and Canoeing Championship will inspire young sportspersons from Chhattisgarh and further enhance the state’s sporting identity. Joint Secretary of Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Federation and Chhattisgarh Kayaking-Canoeing Association Prashant Singh Raghuvanshi said that 36th National Sub-Junior and Junior Kayaking-Canoeing Championship will be organised at Sendh Lake in Nava Raipur from June 12 to 14. Chhattisgarh Kayaking-Canoeing Association will host the national championship under the joint aegis of Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association.

 

He said that Kayaking and Canoeing is an Olympic sport and athletes from Chhattisgarh have consistently excelled with mpressive performances at the national level winning several medals over the years. The mascot unveiling ceremony was attended by Secretary General of Chhattisgarh Olympic Association (COA) Dr Vikram Sisodia, Joint Secretary of Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Federation and Chhattisgarh Kayaking and Canoeing Association Prashant Singh Raghuvanshi along with other office-bearers of the COA were present on the occasion.