States

Geeta Yadav from Residential Hockey Academy Bilaspur earns ‘Khelo India Annual Scholarship’

Chief Minister, Sports Minister extends best wishes to Geeta Yadav

Raipur (thestates.news)|  Ku. Geeta Yadav, a hockey player from the Residential Sports Academy in B.R. Yadav State Sports Training Center Bahtarai, Bilaspur, has been awarded the “Khelo India Annual Scholarship” provided by the Sports Authority of India. The academy is being operated by the Sports and Youth Welfare Department. As part of this scholarship, Geeta Yadav will be given annual financial assistance of Rs 6.20 lakh.

Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel congratulated Geeta Yadav on her outstanding achievement and extended his best wishes, stating that her accomplishment will serve as an inspiration to other players. Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Shri Umesh Patel also congratulated Geeta and highlighted the state government’s efforts in establishing various sports academies to provide athletes with enhanced facilities adhering to international standards. These academies aim to train players who will bring laurels to the state and country.

The assessment camp was organized by Khelo India, New Delhi from May 16 to May 20 this year. Geeta Yadav, a member of the Chhattisgarh national team, showcased a brilliant performance in the West Zone Junior Hockey Competition held in Rajnandgaon. Based on her performance, hockey trainee player Geeta Yadav has been selected for the Khelo India Scholarship. Residential academies for hockey, archery, and athletics are operational in Bahtarai Bilaspur. These academies have been recognized as Centers of Excellence by the Sports Authority of India due to the availability of modern training facilities and better infrastructure. The academy trains a total of 95 players, including 57 in hockey, 12 in archery, and 26 in athletics.

Sports Secretary Shri Neelam Namdev Ekka, Sports Director Smt. Shweta Srivastava Sinha, Bilaspur Academy Head Coach Shri Vikas Paul, Head Performance Manager, and all the officers have congratulated and extended their best wishes to Geeta Yadav.