*Sanju Devi recognised as MVP at Kabaddi World Cup After Outstanding Tournament Performance*

*Government Committed to Promoting Talented Sportspersons and Providing Them Every Possible Platform – Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai*

*"Chhattisgarh Daughter’s Outstanding Performance Has Brought Honour, Pride and Prestige to the State; Her Achievements Will Inspire Other Players Too": DCM Shri Arun Sao*

Raipur, / Sushri Sanju Devi, who played a crucial role in helping India win the Kabaddi World Cup and Asian Championship, has been awarded an incentive amount of Rs. 50 lakh by the State Government through the Sports and Youth Welfare Department. This is the first time in Chhattisgarh that such a major incentive has been given to an athlete. Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao handed over the amount to her today during a felicitation ceremony at his residence office in Nava Raipur. He also presented a kabaddi mat to Bilaspur’s Chingrajpara Kabaddi Club.

Sushri Sanju Devi was selected as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the Kabaddi World Cup in Bangladesh last November for her remarkable performance throughout the tournament. In the World Cup final, Sushri Sanju alone scored 16 of India’s total 35 points. She also played a decisive role in the semi-final and other matches, helping India lift the title.

Sushri Sanju is the first woman kabaddi player from Chhattisgarh to represent India at the international level. Along with the Kabaddi World Cup, she also represented India in the Asian Kabaddi Championship held in Iran in March last year. She played an important role in securing another title for the country.

The 23-year-old Sanju belongs to the small village of Kerakchhar in Korba district and is the daughter of a labourer couple. She has been training since July 2023 at the residential girls’ kabaddi academy at Bahatarai, Bilaspur, run by the Sports and Youth Welfare Department.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated Sushri Sanju Devi on her historic achievement. He said the Chhattisgarh Government is fully committed to promoting talented sportspersons and providing them with every possible platform. He said daughters of the state are creating new history at national and international levels through their talent and determination, and Sushri Sanju Devi is a shining example. He expressed confidence that players like Sushri Sanju will continue to bring glory to the state and the nation.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, continuous efforts are being made for the progress and welfare of sports and athletes in the state. He said Sushri Sanju has achieved great success through her exceptional talent and has won two international gold medals for the country. Her performance has enhanced the pride and honour of Chhattisgarh.

He added that when the state has such talented players, it becomes the government’s responsibility to support and encourage them. To motivate athletes, especially girls, the government has granted Sushri Sanju Devi Rs. 50 lakh. He also highlighted that Chhattisgarh recently successfully hosted the Khelo India Tribal Games and organised major events, including the Bastar and Surguja Olympics.

Shri Arun Sao said the government is working to ensure that sports competitions continue regularly across the state through government bodies, institutions and sports associations. Adequate budget provisions have also been made to promote sports and athletes. Senior officials, representatives of the kabaddi association, academy trainees, and departmental officers were present at the ceremony.

*Sushri Sanju Devi: A Story of Passion, Hard Work and Determination*

Sushri Sanju Devi Rawat was recognised as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player at the Kabaddi World Cup in Bangladesh in November 2025 because of her fearless raids and ability to score points under pressure. In the final, semi-final and league matches, she delivered match-winning performances for India.

Despite poverty and limited resources, Sushri Sanju achieved success through dedication, discipline, mental strength and relentless hard work. Rising from a small village to helping India become champions in two international tournaments is an inspiring journey for young athletes.

Sushri Sanju said mental strength is essential for success at the highest level. She believes that crossing the first hurdle in difficult circumstances opens the path to greater opportunities.

*Consistent Performances Earned Her Place in the Indian Team*

Sushri Sanju shared that her journey from Kerakchhar village to the Kabaddi World Cup included participation in the East Zone Inter-University Tournament held in Kolkata in January 2024, and the All India Inter-University Tournament held in Bathinda in January 2025, representing Bilaspur University.

She also represented the state in national tournaments held in Visakhapatnam, Tamil Nadu, Nagpur, Mahasamund and Bhajiyapar (Maharashtra).

Her excellent performance in the selection trials organised by the Chhattisgarh Kabaddi Association in 2024 earned her a place in the India camp. Based on her strong performance there, she was selected for the Indian team for the Asian Kabaddi Championship in Iran and later included in the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup squad. She has also attended four national camps held in Gandhinagar and Sonipat.