Inspiring Initiative: Merit List Students Experience IPL Action Firsthand

*Meritorious students experience the thrill of IPL match through the initiative of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai* *Students securing positions in merit lists get opportunity to watch live match at International Cricket Stadium* Raipur, May 10, 2026 / As many as 18 meritorious students from different districts of Chhattisgarh watched the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians at Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium on Sunday under a special initiative of the state government aimed at encouraging academic excellence and motivating talented students across the state. The initiative, launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, seeks to recognise the achievements of students who secured positions in the Class 10 and Class 12 merit lists and inspire them to pursue their aspirations with greater confidence. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai believes that students who excel in the field of education should be provided such opportunities so that they are inspired to dream bigger and achieve greater heights. The state government is working with sensitivity and commitment towards promoting education, sports, and youth talent. It was a great moment for the students to witness the grandeur of the international cricket stadium in Nava Raipur and the electrifying atmosphere of the IPL match. For most of them, it was the first time they had visited an international cricket stadium to watch a live match. The dazzling lights of the stadium, the enthusiasm of thousands of spectators, the energy of the players, and the vibrant atmosphere of the entire event were nothing short of a dream for the children. Sharing his experience, Jigyasu Verma from Palari in Baloda Bazar-Bhatapara district, a student of Saraswati Shishu Mandir and topper of the Higher Secondary Examination merit list, said that watching an IPL match live for the first time at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium was an unforgettable experience. A cricket enthusiast since childhood, he thanked the Chief Minister Shri Sai and the state government, saying the initiative boosted his enthusiasm and confidence. Similarly, Yash Khrobagadhe, a student of Swami Atmanand Government Excellent School in Kanker’s Narharpur town secured the tenth position in the Class 12 merit list, said that witnessing top international cricketers in action for the first time was a dream come true. He described the electrifying atmosphere and enthusiasm among spectators as a memorable experience, and said the initiative by Shri Vishnu Deo Sai would inspire students to work harder and pursue their goals with confidence. Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has consistently emphasised the importance of recognising talent and creating better opportunities for youth in education, sports, technology and innovation. In line with this vision, the state government has been promoting initiatives aimed at encouraging meritorious students and strengthening sports and educational infrastructure across Chhattisgarh. The IPL match experience was part of these efforts, giving students an opportunity to celebrate both their academic achievements and interest in sports. The students expressed happiness over the memorable experience and thanked the Chief Minister and the state government for the initiative, saying it inspired them to work harder and aim higher in life.