Chhattisgarh to get a state-of-the-art sports stadium

A state-of-the-art sports stadium will be built in Jashpur, Chhattisgarh, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Wednesday.

With India officially expressing its interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics by submitting a 'Letter of Intent', Mandaviya said the stadium will be “designed to empower local youth”.

“In a significant announcement, Union Minister announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art sports stadium in Jashpur, Chhattisgarh designed to empower local youth and provide them with essential training opportunities that will position India to secure medals at the 2036 Olympics,” the sports ministry said in a release.

Mandaviya made the announcement during the inauguration of 'Bhagwan Birsa Munda Mati Ke Veer’ padyatra, which was held on Wednesday in the presence of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

The minister also honoured several athletes from tribal communities, including cricketer Akanksha Rani, taekwondo athlete Prateek Bada and mountaineer Naina Dhakkad, among others.

Drawing inspiration from Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Mandaviya emphasized the importance of selfless service, stating that the youth are vital in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. "Seva is the fundamental value of our nation," he affirmed, underlining its role in fostering unity and progress.

"Highlighting that over 1.5 crore youth have registered on the MY Bharat portal, Dr. Mandaviya explained that MY Bharat aims to become a single-window system for youth, allowing them to contribute to the building of a Viksit Bharat by fulfilling their aspirations, whether in sports, arts, or culture," the release added.