Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday, 13 June 2026, met Mahak Narwase, a young cricketer from Rajnandgaon, at his residence in Raipur to congratulate her on being named vice-captain of the Indian Women's Under-19 T20 and ODI teams for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

Context

Chief Minister Sai shared the news on social media, writing: 'Rajnandgaon ki pratibhashali beti Sushri Mahak Narwase ji' — 'the talented daughter of Rajnandgaon, Ms Mahak Narwase' — has been appointed vice-captain of both the T20 and ODI squads for the Sri Lanka tour. He extended 'heartfelt congratulations and endless good wishes for a bright future.' Union Minister Giriraj Singh, who holds the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj portfolio, was also present at the meeting, underscoring the centre-state coordination on youth development.

Policy Backdrop

Women's cricket in India has grown rapidly since the BCCI expanded domestic fixtures and introduced central contracts after 2018, with the Under-19 programme serving as a structured feeder pathway to the senior national side. The Khelo India initiative, launched in 2017, has played a role in identifying and training young athletes across states, including Chhattisgarh, helping districts like Rajnandgaon channel grassroots talent into national-level competition. The U-19 tier has become an important launchpad, with several players from recent cycles going on to represent the senior women's side.

Stakeholders and Impact

Mahak Narwase's appointment as vice-captain of both formats is a significant milestone for Chhattisgarh, a state not traditionally associated with producing top-ranked women cricketers. Chief Minister Sai described her success as 'a matter of pride and joy for all of Chhattisgarh,' reflecting the broader significance regional representation carries in national sport. The presence of a Union Minister at the felicitation signals that her achievement is being recognised at both the state and central government levels, which can translate into greater institutional support for aspiring athletes in the region.

What's Next

Attention will now turn to the performance of the India Women's Under-19 side in the T20 and ODI series in Sri Lanka, where Narwase's leadership role will be closely watched. Strong performances could accelerate her progression through the BCCI's women's cricket structure toward the senior national team. Any follow-up announcements from the Chhattisgarh government on sports infrastructure — such as coaching academies or hostel facilities for young women athletes — would indicate whether this recognition translates into lasting policy action.