*Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lauds sprinter Shri Animesh Kujur’s historic feat, highlights Malhar heritage*

*National recognition of the state's talent and cultural legacy honours the aspirations of its people: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai*

Raipur/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday said Chhattisgarh received national recognition for both its sporting talent and cultural heritage after Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted young sprinter Shri Animesh Kujur and the archaeological significance of Malhar during the 134th episode of Mann Ki Baat.

Listening to the programme along with public representatives and distinguished citizens at his residential office in Raipur, Shri Sai said Prime Minister's mention of Chhattisgarh on a national platform was a matter of pride, inspiration and confidence for the entire state.

"When the country's top leadership highlights the achievements and strengths of a state, it is not merely recognition of individuals but of the aspirations, hard work and identity of crores of people of the state," Chief Minister said.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Sai said Mann Ki Baat has emerged as a powerful platform that gives national visibility to positive initiatives, innovations, talent and inspiring life journeys from across the country.

A major highlight of the programme was the Prime Minister's reference to Shri Animesh Kujur, a young athlete from Ghuitangar, a small village in Jashpur district, who has earned recognition at national and international levels. Chief Minister said the mention of Shri Animesh's achievements sends a strong message to young people that limited resources cannot restrict talent when supported by dedication, discipline and hard work.

He added that the manner in which Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi presented the achievements of Shri Animesh Kujur and Shri Gurindervir Singh in Mann Ki Baat infused fresh energy among the country's youth. During the programme, the Prime Minister interacted with both athletes over the phone and noted that the national record in the men's 100-metre event was broken three times within just two days, describing it as a remarkable example of positive competition in sports. 

Chief Minister said the development represented much more than a sporting statistic. "It reflects the confidence, discipline and world-class aspirations of India's youth," he said.

Highlighting Shri Animesh's achievement, Shri Sai said the young sprinter completed the 100-metre race in 10.15 seconds, setting a new national record and qualifying for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. He described Shri Animesh's journey as particularly inspiring, noting that the athlete came from a rural background in Jashpur and studied at Sainik School, Ambikapur before reaching the international stage through perseverance, discipline and family support.

Chief Minister said Animesh's success demonstrates that Chhattisgarh is rich in talent and that young people from the state can establish themselves on the global stage when provided with suitable opportunities.

Referring to the interaction between the Prime Minister and the athlete, Shri Sai said Shri Animesh shared how his interest in sports grew during the Covid period and how encouragement from friends led him towards athletics. Despite challenges and doubts, he remained committed to his goals and never looked back. He also conveyed that Indian athletes are capable of creating a new identity in world-class sprinting and that Indian youth are second to none in any field.

Shri Sai said the Prime Minister's remarks on sportsmanship carried an important message that competition should not be limited to defeating others but should contribute to enhancing the country's reputation. Referring to the Prime Minister's observation that athletes should challenge one another, strive to move ahead and simultaneously support each other, Chief Minister said this reflects the spirit of India's emerging sports culture.

He added that the state government is working continuously to provide talented athletes with training, improved sports infrastructure and greater opportunities.

Chief Minister also highlighted the Prime Minister's reference to rare copper plate inscriptions discovered at the historic site of Malhar in Bilaspur district under the Gyan Bharatam campaign. He described the mention as highly significant for Chhattisgarh's historical and cultural consciousness. He added that the copper plates, believed to be around 1,400 to 1,500 years old, are associated with the Panduvanshi period, particularly the era of Maharshi Balarjun. The inscriptions provide valuable insights into the governance system, culture, religion and social life of that period. He said the artefacts, written in ancient Brahmi script and Pali language, stand as strong evidence of Chhattisgarh's rich historical legacy.

Chief Minister said the state government remains fully committed to preserving and promoting India's and Chhattisgarh's historical, cultural and archaeological heritage. He described the discovery at Malhar not merely as an archaeological achievement but as an important chapter connected to collective memory, historical awareness and knowledge for future generations.

He added that when such achievements are highlighted by the Prime Minister on a national platform, they help create greater public awareness and respect for heritage conservation.

Summing up the significance of the episode, Shri Sai said it reflected how New India is moving forward by giving equal importance to talent, hard work, sportsmanship, culture and heritage. He said that while a young athlete from Jashpur is dreaming of giving new speed to the nation, the heritage of Malhar is narrating the story of India's glorious past. For Chhattisgarh, he said, the twin recognition of its sporting excellence and cultural legacy has filled the state with pride, inspiration and renewed energy.

MLA Shri Purandar Mishra, CGMSC Chairman Shri Deepak Mhaskey and a large number of citizens were present during the programme.