Chhattisgarh lifts All India Forest sports Meet trophy for 13th time

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh has once again etched its name in the record books, clinching the overall championship trophy for the 13th consecutive year at the 28th All India Forest Sports Meet held in Dehradun from November 12 to 17. In a commanding display of sporting excellence, the state’s 253-member contingent dominated the competition, securing 74 gold, 34 silver, and 42 bronze medals, along with 37 fourth-place finishes, taking the total medal tally to 150. Their exceptional run earned them 578 points, placing them 221 points ahead of first runner-up Kerala, which finished with 357 points. The victory was propelled by several standout performances.

Nikhil Xalxo bagged the Best Sportsman title with five gold medals in swimming. Sangeeta Rajagopalan was named Best Sportswoman, winning four golds and one silver across badminton and tennis. In the women’s open category, Thota Sankeerthana, hailed as the “Golden Girl”, clinched five gold medals. Veteran athletes also shone brightly with Sukhnandan Lal Dhruv (men’s veteran) earning five golds, and Charulata Gajpal (women’s veteran) securing four golds.

The overall championship trophy was received on behalf of Chhattisgarh by Shalini Raina, IFS, In-charge APCCF (HRD & IT) and nodal officer of the contingent. PCCF & HoFF V. Srinivasa Rao praised the team for their unwavering discipline and commitment, stating that their performance “marks a shining chapter for the Chhattisgarh Forest Department, where perseverance met glory and tradition met triumph.” Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap also congratulated the athletes, noting that their success has elevated the department’s sporting legacy and set a new benchmark for excellence at the national level.