Raipur. Players from Chhattisgarh participating in the International Polo Tournament paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai at the Chief Minister’s residence office in Raipur. Congratulating the team members on their outstanding performance, Chief Minister Sai stated that this achievement is a matter of pride for the entire state. He encouraged the players to continue their efforts with the same enthusiasm and hard work. Chief Minister Sai stated that the tribal youth of Chhattisgarh possess immense sporting talent, and with the support of the state government, horse riding and polo have found a new direction.
It is noteworthy that Chhattisgarh, for the first time in history, made its presence felt on the national and international sports stage by participating in the 15th Manipur International Polo Tournament held in Imphal from November 22 to 29, 2025. This occasion was also special because, for the first time in the country’s history, a state was invited to represent India in an international polo tournament.
The Chhattisgarh team earned this honor by competing with teams from the United States, Colombia, the Indian Polo Association, and other international teams. This achievement is an important example of the growing participation of tribal youth in the sports world. It is noteworthy that this historic achievement was achieved through the joint efforts of several institutions, including the Chhattisgarh Government, the Indian Army (NCC), the Dantewada District Administration, the Kanker District Administration, and Brigo & Hector Equestrian Management Company, Raipur. Members of the Chhattisgarh team for this competition included Lieutenant Colonel Aman Singh, NCC, Lance Nadeem Ali (Retd.), Vedika Sharan, Chitrabhanu Singh, Samuel Vishwakarma, Golu Ram Kashyap, Subhash Lekami, and Devaki Kadti. Previously, Ms. Vedika Sharan had brought laurels to the state and country by placing second in India and 15th globally in her age group at the International Equestrian Competition held in Bengaluru in September 2025.
It is noteworthy that under the “Sports to Power” initiative, talented students from Dantewada and Kanker districts were provided horse riding and polo training. This training was conducted by Brigo & Hector Equestrian Management Company in collaboration with experienced polo players from the Indian Army. This initiative reinforces the state government’s commitment to empowering tribal youth through sports, education, and training. Its goal is to provide Chhattisgarh athletes with the resources and opportunities necessary to excel at the national and international levels. Commissioner of the Chhattisgarh Housing Board, Mr. Awanish Sharan, and equestrian coach, Ms. Geeta Dahiya, were present on the occasion.
