Athletes from Chhattisgarh delivered a commanding performance at the 4th Khelo Masters National Games held in New Delhi from April 11 to 13, 2025, securing 45 medals and reaffirming the state's growing stature in Indian sports. The event, held at the Commonwealth Games International Stadium, Khelgaon, and the Indira Gandhi International Stadium, saw participation from around 65 athletes representing Chhattisgarh across disciplines including athletics, football, shooting, swimming, and table tennis.

Among the state’s standout performers was Shri Bhagwat Ram Netam, a renowned long-distance runner and employee of SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant, who won three bronze medals in athletics. Famed as the “Milkha Singh of Bhilai” for his consistent achievements in marathon and walkathon events, Shri Netam clocked 19.2 minutes in the 5,000-meter race and 5.21 minutes in the 1,500-meter run, earning bronze medals in both. He added a third bronze in the 3,000-meter walkathon with a timing of 35 minutes. These accomplishments have earned him the qualification to represent India at the upcoming Sri Lanka International Masters Athletics Championship 2025.

Other athletes from the state also brought laurels through a series of commendable performances. Shri G. Kamesh bagged a silver and a bronze medal in athletics, while Shri Kishan delivered an impressive showing with two gold and one silver. Shaoli De Tandi won two bronze medals, and Sharda Pandey demonstrated her athletic prowess with two golds. Shobhnath Yadav added one gold and one silver to the tally, and Benju Gupta won a bronze medal. Shri B.L. Naseene asserted dominance in his category by claiming two golds and one silver, while Smt. Rukhmanee Naseene made a strong impact with three gold medals, underlining the strength of Chhattisgarh’s women athletes.

Adding to the medal count, Shri Dinesh Sonkar, Smt. Sunita Sinha, Shri Radhelal Yadav, and Smt. Renuka Yadav each won a silver medal. Shri Parsaram Gond stood out with a hat-trick of gold medals, while Smt. Sunita Biju John earned two golds and one silver. Smt. Sonam Thakur claimed three gold medals, Smt. Putul Lakra won one gold, Smt. Prabha Thakur secured two bronze medals, and Smt. Yogita Yadav added a silver to the state’s impressive haul.

In pistol shooting, Shri Phanishwar Sahu secured a gold medal, and Smt. Jyoti Pandey showcased her precision with a silver. The Chhattisgarh football team also made its mark with a third-place finish, affirming the state's competence in team events.

This stellar performance was made possible under the committed leadership of Shri Narendra Naseene, Director of the Chhattisgarh Khelo Masters Team, and Smt. Jyoti Pandey, Vice President. Their strategic mentorship and dedication played a crucial role in preparing the athletes not only for national excellence but also for upcoming international competitions.

The selection of Chhattisgarh’s athletes, including Shri Bhagwat Ram Netam, for the Sri Lanka International Masters Championship represents a significant milestone, as they prepare to don the national colours and elevate India’s presence on the global stage.

These achievements underscore Chhattisgarh's emergence as a prominent center for sports, not only for youth but also for seasoned athletes. Institutions like the Bhilai Steel Plant continue to foster a nurturing and motivating environment that encourages athletic excellence across generations, setting a benchmark for the rest of the country.

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