CHHATTISGARH CREATING A NEW IDENTITY ON THE WORLD GOLF MAP: CHIEF MINISTER VISHNU DEO SAI

CHHATTISGARH CREATING A NEW IDENTITY ON THE WORLD GOLF MAP: CHIEF MINISTER VISHNU DEO SAI

CM Unveils Trophy of ‘DP World Nava Raipur Open 2026’, Tries His Hand at Golf to Boost Players’ Morale

132 Professional Golfers Including 18 Foreign Players to Showcase Their Skills

Nava Raipur Open Will Become Chhattisgarh’s New Identity, State Govt Will Extend Full Support to Promote Golf: CM

Event Graced by 1983 World Cup Winning Captain & PGTI President Kapil Dev; Chhattisgarh to Emerge as Major Golf Destination Like Delhi, Bengaluru & Kolkata

Chhattisgarh is rapidly emerging as a premier sports destination in the country. With expansion of sports infrastructure, better training for talent, and hosting of prestigious national and international events, the state’s sports culture has got new energy. Hosting a major professional golf tournament in Nava Raipur is a significant milestone in this journey, said Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai while addressing the prestigious ‘DP World Nava Raipur Open 2026’ organized by Professional Golf Tour of India at Fairway Golf & Country Club Resort, Nava Raipur.

A NEW IDENTITY FOR CHHATTISGARH

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the ‘DP World Nava Raipur Open 2026’ will become Chhattisgarh’s new identity in the coming years and will play a crucial role in establishing Nava Raipur as a leading golf destination in India and the world.

CM Shri Sai unveiled the attractive trophy of the tournament and extended a warm welcome to professional golfers from India and abroad. The presence of 1983 Cricket World Cup winning captain and PGTI President Shri Kapil Dev added grandeur to the event.

The CM himself tried his hand at golf and cheered the players with a brilliant shot, which created special enthusiasm among players and spectators.

132 TOP GOLFERS – A MOMENT OF PRIDE

The CM said it is a matter of pride that such a prestigious professional golf event is being held in Nava Raipur. 132 professional players from India and abroad, including 18 foreign players, are participating. This reflects the conducive sports environment developing in the state.

He said such events not only strengthen the state’s national and international identity but also boost sports tourism and give local youth a chance to see world-class players up close and draw inspiration.

FROM WATCHING GOLF IN FILMS TO HOSTING IT

Recalling his memories, the CM said, “There was a time when we only heard about golf or saw people playing it in films. Today, in changing Chhattisgarh, we are hosting such a big professional golf tournament. This is a pleasant sign of the rapidly expanding sports culture.”

He said golf was once considered a sport of industrialists and the affluent, but its scope has now widened. The state government will provide all possible support for promoting golf and expanding necessary facilities.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES WITH SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE

CM Sai said the state government is linking sports with youth’s personality development, discipline and confidence. A grand international cricket stadium, one of the best in the country, exists in the state and national-level events of various sports are being held regularly.

To identify talent and provide modern training, the government has included ‘Mukhyamantri Khel Utkarsh Mission’ in the budget. No talented player will face a hurdle of resources.

In line with PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Khelo India’ and ‘Fit India’ vision, Chhattisgarh is creating a vibrant sports ecosystem. The National Tribal Games with 2500 players and innovative events like Bastar Olympics and Sarguja Olympics have given thousands of youth from remote areas a big platform.

PEACE, DEVELOPMENT AND NEW DREAMS IN BASTAR

CM Sai said that with the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, strong will of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and indomitable courage of security forces, decisive success has been achieved against Naxalism. Today Bastar is moving rapidly towards peace, trust, development and new possibilities. The wide participation of youth in Bastar Olympics is a powerful expression of this positive change.

EXPLORE CHHATTISGARH’S CULTURE WITH GOLF: CM’S INVITATION

The CM warmly invited players from India and abroad to explore Chhattisgarh’s natural beauty, tribal culture and tourist spots. He specially invited them to visit Bastar’s Chitrakote Waterfall, known as the Niagara of India, and the scenic hills and forests of Sarguja.

EVERY YEAR GOLF TOURNAMENT SHOULD BE HELD IN CHHATTISGARH: KAPIL DEV

PGTI President and legendary cricketer Shri Kapil Dev thanked CM Sai and the Chhattisgarh government for support. He said such professional events strengthen sports culture and inspire new talent. He wished that this prestigious tournament be held in Chhattisgarh every year with dates fixed in advance, so that players can plan as per their international calendar.

He said Chhattisgarh’s environment is very conducive for golf and its warm hospitality is its special identity. Just like Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata, Chhattisgarh will soon become a major golf destination.

PGTI CEO Shri Amandeep Chahal said that whenever the PGTI team comes to Chhattisgarh, it receives a warm and grand welcome. Players are impressed with the environment, golf course and arrangements and wish to return.

The ‘DP World Nava Raipur Open 2026’ is proving to be a crucial step in placing Nava Raipur and Chhattisgarh firmly on the national and international golf map.