MP CM Mohan Yadav felicitates National Games medalists, reaffirms support for sports development

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Tuesday felicitated medal winners of the 38th National Games-2025 during the ‘Madhya Pradesh Shikhar Khel Alankaran’ ceremony held at Ravindra Bhavan.

Addressing the gathering, he said that a true sportsperson sets high standards not only in sports but across all areas of life.

“By this definition, Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan Shri Krishna were also exceptional sportspersons. Their lives continue to inspire not only athletes but all of us,” CM Dr. Yadav said, highlighting the timeless values represented by Indian mythology.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to advancing sports and assured that every facility needed by athletes will be provided. CM Yadav also personally congratulated the winners of the Shikhar Khel Alankaran and National Games and joined them for a group photograph.

Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Shri Vishwas Kailash Sarang commended Madhya Pradesh’s young athletes, stating, “They have brought glory not just to the state but to the nation and the world.”

He further expressed optimism that MP would clinch the top rank in the next National Games and noted CM Dr. Yadav’s proactive initiative to construct sports stadiums in every Assembly constituency.

During the event, the trophy won by Madhya Pradesh in the National Games was presented to the Chief Minister. Also in attendance were Olympic Association President Shri Ramesh Mendola, Secretary Shri Digvijay Singh, Principal Secretary Shri Manish Singh, and Deputy Secretary Shri Ajay Shrivastava. The welcome address was delivered by Sports Director Shri Rakesh Gupta, while the vote of thanks was presented by Joint Director Shri B.L. Yadav.

Vikram Awards Presented to Outstanding Athletes

CM Dr. Yadav awarded Vikram Awards along with cheques of ₹2 lakh each to athletes who demonstrated exceptional performance. The recipients included:

• Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (Shooting) – Khargone
• Janhvi Srivastava (Kayaking-Canoeing – Slalom) – Bhopal
• Ragini Marko (Archery) – Jabalpur
• Shivani Pawar (Wrestling) – Chhindwara
• Shruti Yadav (Boxing) – Bhopal
• Yamini Maurya (Judo) – Sagar
• Sachin Bhargo (Kho-Kho) – Dewas
• Neelu Dadia (Hockey) – Mandsaur
• Praveen Kumar Dave (Softball) – Indore
• Rubina Francis (Shooting – Divyang Category) – Jabalpur
• Apoorva Dubey (Powerlifting) – Indore

Eklavya Awards to Emerging Sports Talents

Each Eklavya Awardee received ₹1 lakh in recognition of their contributions. Awardees included:

• Rituraj Bundela (Shooting) – Tikamgarh
• Bhumi Baghel (Kayaking-Canoeing – Slalom) – Maheshwar
• Krishna Mishra (Squash) – Indore
• Pooja Dangi (Fencing) – Rajgarh
• Prabhakar Singh Rajawat (Rowing) – Gwalior
• Neha Thakur (Sailing) – Dewas
• Prakhar Joshi (Swimming) – Indore
• Arjun Vaskale (Athletics) – Khargone
• Priyanshi Prajapat (Wrestling) – Ujjain
• Ankit Pal (Hockey) – Gwalior
• Gaurav Pachauri (Powerlifting) – Morena

Coaches Honoured with Vishwamitra and Lifetime Achievement Awards

Three distinguished coaches were presented the Vishwamitra Award and ₹2 lakh each:

• Shri Pijush Kanti Baroi (Kayaking-Canoeing) – Bhopal
• Shri Ashok Kumar Yadav (Archery) – Jabalpur
• Shri Lokendra Sharma (Hockey) – Bhopal
• Shri Ratanlal Verma from Ujjain was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to gymnastics, along with a ₹2 lakh cheque

₹5.46 Crore Distributed Among National Games Medalists

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also honoured athletes who brought home medals from the 38th National Games-2025.

Madhya Pradesh secured 34 gold, 25 silver, and 23 bronze medals across 18 sports disciplines. A total prize amount of ₹5.46 crore was distributed among 82 medalists.

The grand felicitation ceremony saw the presence of a large number of sportspersons, coaches, and sports enthusiasts from across the state.