Former Chief Minister lauds Kishore Belawale’s efforts, says new facility will boost sports culture among youth
Published on: February 04, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Continuing Rajnandgaon’s rich historical, educational and sporting traditions, a newly built sports complex at the Digvijay Club premises adjacent to the Municipal Corporation campus was formally inaugurated on Sunday.
Former Chief Minister and Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh, who presided over the ceremony, paid tribute to the city’s royal legacy, recalling the generosity, foresight and welfare-oriented vision of Rajnandgaon’s rulers.
Dr Singh said the Digvijay Club, established in 1935, stands as a living example of royal foresight. He recalled how the erstwhile rulers even donated their palace and fort for educational purposes, which later became Government Digvijay College—now counted among Chhattisgarh’s premier institutions.
Describing Raja Digvijay Das as not only a philanthropist but also a visionary administrator, Dr Singh highlighted landmark initiatives such as the establishment of Digvijay College, BNC Mill and railway expansion, along with civic infrastructure including water tanks, drainage systems and urban amenities.
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He specially appreciated Digvijay Club Executive President Kishore Belawale for his dedication to sports promotion, noting that the complex was realised through collective efforts of club members and supporters.
“Kishore Belawale and his team have developed modern sports facilities right in the heart of the city. This will greatly benefit children and youth of Rajnandgaon,” Dr Singh said.
The newly inaugurated sports complex features a modern gymnasium, two badminton courts and two table tennis tables. Dr Singh added that the facility will strengthen the city’s sports culture and may also pave the way for hosting state and national-level tournaments in the future.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Member of Parliament Santosh Pandey, former Dongargarh MLA Ramji Bharti, along with club office bearers Suresh H Lal, Shrikishan Khandelwal, Girish Sonakshatra, Nandlal Agrawal, Sushil Pansari, engineers D R Yadav and A K Trivedi, Vijay Chhajed, Rajesh Baid, Anil Sharma, Ajay Singh, Umakant Bhardwaj, Manoj Chitalangia, Uttam Gidiya, Komal Singh Rajput, Raja Makhija, senior journalists and Press Club patrons Ashok Pandey, Purushottam Tiwari and Jitendra Mishra, Press Club President Sachin Agrahari, Collector Jitendra Yadav, Superintendent of Police Ankita Sharma, and several other dignitaries and citizens.
The programme was conducted by club member Anand Varghese and concluded in a dignified and enthusiastic atmosphere.
