GPM will host the 26th State Level School Sports Competition, players from across the state will gather from August 18 to 21*

540 players from all five divisions will showcase their strength in gymnastics, cricket, taekwondo and kabaddi.

*District administration started extensive preparations*

Raipur, August 7, 2026. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, the sports culture in the state is gaining new momentum. The state government is continuously taking effective initiatives to encourage sports talent and elevate them to national and international levels. In this regard, the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district will host the 26th State-Level School Sports Competition, to be held from August 18-21. Approximately 540 athletes aged 14 to 19 from all five divisions of the state will showcase their talent and athletic skills in this prestigious four-day competition.
The state government considers sports not only a means of competition, but also a strong foundation for discipline, leadership skills, self-confidence, and a healthy lifestyle. Such school-level competitions provide young athletes with the opportunity to hone their talents and reach higher levels.

*GPM will resonate with competitions in four sports*

During the competition, events will be held in gymnastics (boys and girls), cricket (boys), taekwondo (boys and girls), and kabaddi (girls). Players, coaches, and officials from all five divisions of the state will participate. The event will foster a spirit of competition, teamwork, and athletic excellence among the players.

*District administration fully prepared for excellent event*

The district administration has intensified preparations for a successful and dignified event. Collector Mr. Vijay Dayaram K. held a review meeting with various departments to take a detailed look at the preparations. He directed all departments to coordinate and ensure the necessary arrangements are made within the stipulated timeframe, ensuring excellent facilities are provided to the athletes, coaches, and officials coming from across the state.

Special attention to every aspect from security to housing and medical care.

The meeting reviewed in detail the selection of sports venues, accommodation and food for athletes, transportation, health checkups, medical facilities, drinking water, electricity and lighting, cleanliness, security, traffic management, and preparations for the opening and closing ceremonies. The Collector directed all departments to ensure the effective discharge of their assigned responsibilities. Present
at the meeting were District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mukesh Raote, Additional Superintendent of Police Mr. Avinash Mishra, District Education Officer Mr. Rajneesh Tiwari, along with officials from the Sports and Youth Welfare, Forest, Health, Tribal Development, Public Works, Public Health Engineering, Electricity, Food, Transport, and Urban Administration departments.
This competition will not only provide an important platform for the state's emerging sports talents to showcase their abilities, but will also establish Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi as a successful host of the state's major sporting events.