*Former Indian Cricket Captain Shri Kapil Dev Pays Courtesy Call on Chief Minister; Meaningful Deliberations on Sports Development Held*

Raipur, February 26, 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday met former Indian cricket team captain Kapil Dev at the his Residence Office in Nava Raipur. The meeting, marked by warmth and mutual regard, focused on the future of sports development in Chhattisgarh.

Welcoming the cricketing legend, the Chief Minister presented him with a bell metal memento and the coffee table book _'Punyabhumi Chhattisgarh'_ as a token of respect. During the meeting, they discussed in detail the subjects of promoting sports across the State, developing modern sports infrastructure, establishing international-standard training centres, and nurturing promising athletes capable of excelling at national and global platforms. Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, was also present during the meeting.

Shri Sai apprised Shri Kapil Dev of the sustained efforts of Chhattisgarh Government to encourage sports and ensure improved facilities for players. He emphasised that expanding infrastructure, strengthening training ecosystems, and widening opportunities remain key priorities to build a vibrant sporting culture in the State.

Appreciating the positive transformation underway in Chhattisgarh, Shri Kapil Dev observed that an atmosphere of security, trust and development would provide the State’s talented youth with meaningful opportunities to shine at national and international levels. He expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh would continue to progress as a safe, prosperous and forward-looking State.