Raipur, June 7, 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai today unveiled the mascot ‘Pahadi Maina’ for the 36th National Sub-Junior and Junior Kayaking-Canoeing Championship, scheduled to be held from June 12 to 14, 2026, at Sendh Lake in Naya Raipur.
Speaking at his residence-cum-office in the capital, Raipur, the Chief Minister extended his best wishes to the organisers for the successful conduct of the event.
He stated that the state government is continuously working towards the development of sports and providing better opportunities for athletes.
Sai remarked that sports are not merely a medium for competition but a strong foundation for discipline, leadership, and personality development. Along with strengthening sports infrastructure in the state, opportunities are being provided for athletes to showcase their talent at national and international levels.
He expressed confidence that this national championship would inspire athletes from Chhattisgarh and further strengthen the state’s identity in the realm of sports.
It is noteworthy that the 36th National Sub-Junior and Junior Kayaking-Canoeing Championship is being organized by the Chhattisgarh State Kayaking-Canoeing Association under the joint aegis of the Indian Kayaking-Canoeing Association and the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association.
The championship will take place from June 12 to 14, 2026, at Sendh Lake, Naya Raipur.
Kayaking-Canoeing is an Olympic sport in which athletes from Chhattisgarh have achieved remarkable success and won numerous medals at the national level. Hosting this prestigious national-level championship in the state capital is considered a significant milestone in the state’s sports history.
On this occasion, Chhattisgarh Olympic Association General Secretary Vikram Sisodia, Indian Kayaking-Canoeing Federation and Chhattisgarh State Kayaking-Canoeing Association Joint Secretary Prashant Singh Raghuvanshi, along with other office-bearers of the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association, were present.
