JUDO player Hembati Nag from restive Kondagaon district, trained at the Judo Training Centre established by the IndoTibetan Border Police (ITBP), was honoured by Honorable President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, under the ‘Prime Minister’s National Child Award 2024’. The recognition came for her exceptional performance in various competitions. Under the guidance of ITBP and the relentless efforts of the 41st Battalion, training programmes of this kind are regularly conducted at the battalion level in the district.

 

These initiatives in the Naxal-affected area have garnered national acclaim. Hembati Nag, along with her trainer Uday Yadav from the 41st Battalion, received heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for future achievements from Narender Singh, Commander of the 41st Battalion and the Kondagaon district administration. Congratulating Hembati on her outstanding accomplishment, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai tweeted: “Well done, daughter!” “It is a matter of pride for the entire state that Hembati Nag, a national judo player from Kondagaon, has been honoured with the ‘Prime Minister’s National Child Award 2024’ by Honourable President Droupadi Murmu today. Hembati has demonstrated unyielding determination despite challenging circumstances.

 

Through sheer hard work, she has achieved gold, silver, and bronze medals at the Khelo India National Games and other national-level competitions, bringing honour to Chhattisgarh. Our Government remains committed to encouraging such talented individuals and helping them realise their aspirations. This achievement by Hembati will inspire other daughters of the state. Many congratulations and wishes to Hembati for a bright future!”Hembati Nag, residing at the Chhattisgarh State Child Welfare Council’s Balgrih Balika, Kondagaon, has earned the prestigious Prime Minister’s National Child Award 2024-25, bringing distinction to both her district and the state. Hailing from a rural background, Hembati’s life changed dramatically in March 2019 after the tragic death of her parents. In need of care and protection, she was admitted to Balgrih Balika through the Child Welfare Committee, under the District Child Protection Unit. There, her exceptional talent in sports was nurtured, with training in Judo provided by the ITBP 41st Battalion. Hembati’s dedication to the sport has resulted in numerous accolades.

 

She clinched a gold medal in the 28 kg sub-junior category at the National Judo Championship in Chandigarh in November 2021, followed by a bronze at the Khelo India regional competition in 2022. In 2023, she earned a fifthplace finish at the National Khelo India Tournament in Bhopal and won a bronze at the National School Games. Her accomplishments continued in 2024 with a bronze at the Regional Khelo India competition in Nashik and a silver in the National School Sports Competition held in Agartala, Tripura. Kondagaon District Collector Kunal Dudawat congratulated Hembati for this remarkable feat and lauded the efforts of the Women and Child Development Department in fostering her talent. The National Bal Puraskar is awarded annually to children aged 5 to 18 who demonstrate exceptional abilities and achievements in various fields, including sports, bravery, science, and social service. Each awardee receives a medal, certificate, and citation booklet. The achievements of Hembati Nag reflect her perseverance, hard work, and passion for Judo. Under the patronage of the Women and Child Development Department, she has not only excelled but has also brought glory to her district and state.