Madhya Pradesh Gearing Up to Host National Games: CM Dr. Yadav

Bhopal, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the state government is committed to advancing Madhya Pradesh in the field of sports. “We will leave no stone unturned in developing sports and athletes,” he emphasized. Expressing his delight, the Chief Minister announced that a proposal has been sent to the Central Government and the Indian Olympic Association to host the National Games in Madhya Pradesh. The 2028 National Games are proposed to be held between January and March.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav instructed officials of the Sports Department to ensure timely and comprehensive preparations for the National Games. Hosting the National Games in Madhya Pradesh will be a matter of pride for the state, and there should be no shortfall in preparations. Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare Shri Vishvas Kailash Sarang was also present in the meeting.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav highlighted that water tourism is being actively promoted in the state. He directed that visitors to Bhopal should be able to enjoy natural and real experiences of water sports at both the Upper and Lower Lakes, with all necessary amenities and arrangements in place.

He announced that the Asian Rowing Championship will be held from October 14 to 19, 2025at the Water Sports Training Center in Khanugaon, Bhopal. Around 450 athletes from over 22 countries, along with 100 technical officials and 12 jury members, as well as water sports enthusiasts, are expected to participate. Dr. Yadav directed that the Khanugaon venue be upgraded to meet international standards. This would enhance the branding of Bhopal Lake and strengthen the city’s bid to host water sports in the 2036 Olympic Games. The event will also benefit water sports, tourism, and local businesses in the state.

The Chief Minister instructed that preparations for the Asian Rowing Championship should begin immediately. Landscaping and leveling work at the venue should be completed promptly. He also proposed showcasing traditional Indian sports like Mallakhamb through international demo events and suggested including games like tug of war, Indian-style archery, shooting ball, and “pithoo” in the Khelo MP Games.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasized the need for coordination between the Sports Department and departments like School Education, Higher Education, Technical Education, and Tribal Affairs to nurture athletic talent. He recommended integrating sports into school and college curricula and creating separate sports faculties at the college level. Adventure sports training programs were also suggested for Omkareshwar and Pachmarhi, along with identifying more water venues across the state to benefit water tourism and local athletes.

The meeting was informed that the PARTH Scheme (Police-Army Recruitment Training House) has been launched to prepare youth for physical and written exams for police and army recruitment. The MP Yuva Portal and the Madhya Pradesh Yuva Prerak Yojana are also in operation. There is also a scheme to appoint Vikram Awardees and other national/international medalists to government posts. The Chief Minister asked for a study of similar provisions in other states.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav further directed that special focus be given to sports like Mallakhamb and Gymnastics, including efforts to establish international-level academies for these sports as required. He also said steps should be taken to establish a Sports University in Madhya Pradesh. It was informed that certificate courses in sports coaching and allied subjects are being initiated in Bhopal and proposals are being invited from private investors for the university.

Sports Boosting Tourism in the State

The meeting revealed that to promote sports tourism and establish Madhya Pradesh as a sports hub, aninternational sports complex worth Rs. 985.76 crore is being developed in two phases at Nathu-Barkheda, Bhopal. In the first phase, international-level athletics, football, and hockey stadiums are being constructed. The second phase will include a multipurpose indoor complex, all-weather swimming pool, cross-country race track, and other outdoor facilities. An International Sports Science Center is also proposed within the complex. In the third phase, an international cricket stadiumwill be built at the same site.

New Achievements

The meeting also noted recent achievements: Shri Dev Meena set a new national record in pole vault, and Shri Samar Deephas been selected for the Asian Athletics Championship 2025 (South Korea)in the shot put category. For the first time, Madhya Pradesh’s men’s hockey teamreached the finals of the National Hockey Championship(Jhansi), securing second place after losing to Punjab.

Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dr. Rajesh Rajora, Additional Chief Secretary of Sports & Youth Welfare Shri Manu Srivastava, Sports Director Shri Rakesh Gupta, Deputy Secretary Shri Ajay Srivastava, and Joint Director Shri B.S. Yadav were also present at the meeting.