Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday, 31 May 2026, praised young sprinter Animesh Kujur after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the athlete's achievements on the monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, calling it a moment of pride for the entire state. Kujur had broken the national record in the men's 100 metres three times within two days, a feat the Chief Minister described as extraordinary in the history of Indian athletics.

Context

In his post, CM Sai wrote that 'Chhattisgarh ki pratibha ko mila rashtriya manch par samman' — 'Chhattisgarh's talent has received recognition on the national stage.' He noted that PM Modi's decision to mention Animesh Kujur in Mann Ki Baat had filled the state with pride. The Chief Minister emphasised that breaking the national record three times in the 100m sprint within two days is an exceptional achievement in Indian athletics history.

Sai further wrote that Kujur's success proves that talent is not limited to big cities, calling the sprinter's journey an inspiration for future generations across Chhattisgarh.

Policy Backdrop

Kujur's rise fits into a broader policy push by both the Centre and state governments to identify grassroots sporting talent beyond metropolitan centres. The Khelo India programme, launched in 2016, has channelled infrastructure grants and competition platforms to athletes in smaller states, while the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) was expanded in 2018–19 to provide focused funding for elite athletes in disciplines including athletics.

Chhattisgarh has steadily expanded district-level athletic meets and coaching hubs since the early 2010s. National record performances by athletes from smaller states are regularly cited by the Centre as evidence of the decentralisation of sporting excellence in India.

Stakeholders and Impact

Animesh Kujur's triple record-breaking run elevates the profile of athletics in Chhattisgarh and signals to state sports bodies that investment in district-level coaching is yielding results. Young athletes across the state now have a home-grown model to emulate, and the national spotlight from Mann Ki Baat is likely to intensify institutional attention on the sprinter.

For CM Sai's government, the moment offers political and cultural capital — demonstrating that the state's sports ecosystem can produce world-class talent without relying on traditional hubs such as Haryana or Punjab.

What's Next

Attention will now turn to whether Animesh Kujur earns selection for upcoming international competitions, including the Asian Athletics Championships and national training camps under the Athletics Federation of India. A strong showing at that level would cement his status as one of India's most promising sprinters and further validate the grassroots development model championed by both the state and central governments.