Students who made it to the merit list got the opportunity to watch live matches at the International Cricket Stadium.

Raipur, Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, the state government is continuously taking innovative initiatives to encourage talented students of the state and give new energy to their dreams. In this sequence, the excitement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) match held in the capital Raipur today was also felt by the meritorious students of the state, who have made Chhattisgarh proud by making it to the merit list of class 10th and 12th.

On a special initiative of the state government, 18 talented students selected from various districts of the state reached Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Nava Raipur, where they enjoyed the high-voltage match being played between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. For the meritorious students, this opportunity was not just limited to watching a cricket match, but it was also an honour for their excellent performance and an inspiring effort to give a new flight to their confidence.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai believes that students who excel in education should be provided opportunities that inspire them to pursue their dreams on a grander scale. The state government continues to work with sensitivity and commitment to promote education, sports, and young talent.

The grandeur of the International Cricket Stadium in Naya Raipur and the thrilling atmosphere of the IPL match excited the students. For most of them, this was their first time watching a live match at an international cricket stadium. The stadium's impressive lighting, the enthusiasm of thousands of spectators, the energy of the players, and the lively atmosphere of the entire event were nothing short of a dream come true for the children. Many students were overwhelmed by being part of such a major sporting event for the first time.

Jigyasa Verma, a student of Saraswati Shishu Mandir, Palari, in Balodabazar-Bhatapara district, who secured first place in the Higher Secondary Examination merit list, said that he has had a special passion for cricket since childhood. Until now, he used to watch IPL matches only on TV, but today for the first time he had the opportunity to watch a live match in such a huge stadium. He said that this is the most exciting and unforgettable moment of his life. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai and the state government, Jigyasa said that this initiative has given new energy to his enthusiasm and confidence.

Similarly, Yash Khrobaghade, a student at Swami Atmanand Government School of Excellence, Narharpur, Kanker district, who secured tenth place in the 12th-grade merit list, said that he had a long-held desire to see international players play in front of him, and today his wish was fulfilled. He said that the stadium atmosphere, the enthusiasm of the spectators, and the performance of the players were a wonderful experience. Yash said that this initiative by Chief Minister Shri Sai will boost the morale of the students and inspire them to move forward.

The students expressed that receiving such recognition and encouragement from the state government inspires them to perform even better. They said that this initiative is not just a reward, but an effort to recognize their dreams and give them new direction. Many students described this as a life experience they will always cherish.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai firmly believes that talent must receive opportunity and respect. He has stated on numerous occasions that the state's youth are the strongest foundation for a developed Chhattisgarh and a developed India. The state government is continuously working to provide better opportunities for youth in the fields of education, sports, technology, and innovation, so that the state's children can make their mark at the national and international levels.