Raipur, May 31 (PTI) Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday said Chhattisgarh received national recognition for its sporting talent and cultural heritage as Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted young sprinter Animesh Kujur and the archaeological significance of Malhar site during Mann Ki Baat.
Listening to the broadcast along with public representatives and distinguished citizens at his residential office in Raipur, Sai said the Prime Minister’s mention of Chhattisgarh on a national platform was a matter of pride, inspiration and confidence for the entire state.
“When the country’s top leadership highlights the achievements and strengths of a state, it is not merely recognition of individuals but of the aspirations, hard work and identity of crores of people of the state,” the Chief Minister said.
Sai said Mann Ki Baat has emerged as a powerful platform that gives national visibility to positive initiatives, innovations, talent and inspiring life journeys from across the country.
A major highlight of the programme was Modi’s reference to Animesh Kujur, a young athlete from Ghuitangar, a small village in Jashpur district, who has earned recognition at national and international levels.
Sai said the mention of Animesh’s achievements sends a strong message to young people that limited resources cannot restrict talent when supported by dedication, discipline and hard work.
During the programme, the Prime Minister interacted with Kujur and athlete Gurindervir Singh over the phone and noted that the national record in the men’s 100-metre event was broken three times within just two days, describing it as a remarkable example of positive competition in sports.
“The development represented much more than a sporting statistic. It reflects the confidence, discipline and world-class aspirations of India’s youth,” Sai said.
Sai said Kujur completed the 100-metre race in 10.15 seconds, setting a new national record and qualifying for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
He described Kujur’s journey as particularly inspiring, noting that the athlete came from a rural background in Jashpur and studied at Sainik School, Ambikapur, before reaching the international stage through perseverance, discipline and family support.
Referring to the interaction between the Prime Minister and the athlete, Sai said Kujur shared how his interest in sports grew during the COVID pandemic and how encouragement from friends led him towards athletics.
Despite challenges and doubts, he remained committed to his goals and never looked back. He also conveyed that Indian athletes are capable of creating a new identity in world-class sprinting and that Indian youth are second to none in any field.
Sai said the Prime Minister’s remarks on sportsmanship carried an important message that competition should not be limited to defeating others but should contribute to enhancing the country’s reputation.
Referring to Modi’s observation that athletes should challenge one another, strive to move ahead and simultaneously support each other, the Chief Minister said this reflects the spirit of India’s emerging sports culture.
He added that the state government is working continuously to provide talented athletes with training, improved sports infrastructure and greater opportunities.
Sai also highlighted Modi’s reference to rare copper plate inscriptions discovered at the historic site of Malhar in Bilaspur district under the Gyan Bharatam campaign.
He added that the copper plates, believed to be around 1,400 to 1,500 years old, are associated with the Panduvanshi period, particularly the era of Maharshi Balarjun.
The inscriptions provide valuable insights into the governance system, culture, religion and social life of that period. He said the artefacts, written in ancient Brahmi script and Pali language, stand as strong evidence of Chhattisgarh’s rich historical legacy.
The Chief Minister said the state government remains fully committed to preserving and promoting the historical, cultural and archaeological heritage, describing the discovery at Malhar not merely as an archaeological achievement but as an important chapter connected to collective memory, historical awareness and knowledge for future generations.
For Chhattisgarh, the twin recognition of its sporting excellence and cultural legacy has filled the state with pride, inspiration and renewed energy, he added.
MLA Purandar Mishra, CGMSC Chairman Deepak Mhaskey and a large number of citizens were present during the programme. PTI COR NSK
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