Chhattisgarh's Budha Talab: A Hub for Aspiring Kayakers and Canoers

Emerging Talent at Budha Talab

The waters of Swami Vivekananda Sarovar, commonly referred to as Budha Talab, are becoming a vital training ground for budding kayaking and canoeing athletes in Chhattisgarh. With complimentary training and enhanced facilities, young athletes from various districts, including Raigarh, Mungeli, Korba, Jagdalpur, and Dantewada, are making their way to Raipur to refine their skills. The introduction of para-athlete boats and specialized coaching has also created new avenues for differently-abled individuals.

Free Training Initiatives

Pinky Sahu, a senior kayaking-canoeing coach with a decade-long association with the sport, emphasized that training at the Raipur club has always been free for children. "I began kayaking-canoeing in 2011 and now, as a senior athlete and coach, I train young enthusiasts. When I started, I cycled from my village to practice. Our senior athletes began training at Budha Talab around 2009-10. Since the sport's inception in Chhattisgarh in 2008-09, we have never charged fees for training; anyone eager to learn receives instruction at no cost," she stated.

Currently, the facility accommodates around 50 children, including approximately 15 para-athletes, who are regularly training in Raipur. "We have boats for various kayaking and canoeing categories, including specific boats for sprint events and para-athlete boats for those with disabilities. Our three main clubs in Chhattisgarh—Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Dantewada—have produced athletes who have excelled at the national level, including para-athletes who have been selected for competitions," Sahu added.

Structured Training Regimen

The athletes adhere to a strict training schedule, starting their morning sessions at 5:30 AM and resuming from 4 PM to 6 PM. "Our athletes maintain a disciplined routine. They arrive for practice around 5:30 AM, beginning with warm-ups followed by water practice until about 8:30 AM. Afterward, they attend school or other commitments before returning for evening practice," she explained.

Support from Government and Associations

The initiative has garnered support from the Chhattisgarh government, the state association, and the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association, which has led to improved equipment and training conditions. "We receive substantial backing from the Chhattisgarh government and the state association's leadership. The Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association has also provided significant assistance. New boats and enhanced facilities create a better training environment for our athletes," Sahu noted. "Additionally, when our children travel for competitions, arrangements for travel, accommodation, meals, and tickets are provided at no cost, enabling children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to excel in this sport."

Achievements and Employment Prospects

The sport has already enabled numerous athletes to shine on the national stage, with some securing employment through their achievements. "Many athletes from Chhattisgarh have trained here and won medals nationally; I am a medalist myself. Several players have received the Rajiv Pandey Award and other accolades. Additionally, around 10 to 15 of our athletes have found jobs in government and other sectors, with some working for the central government and others for the state government," she remarked.

For athletes like Mukesh Yadav, kayaking has opened doors to overcome financial challenges. The Mungeli-based athlete has been training for four years and represented Chhattisgarh in the sub-junior category at the 36th National Competition at Sendh Lake. His aspirations now extend to winning medals at national and international levels, aiming to bring recognition to Chhattisgarh.

Empowerment of Para-Athletes

The program has been particularly impactful for para-athletes like Chanchala Patel, who lost her leg in an accident in 1998 but found new purpose through kayaking and canoeing. "My life changed drastically after my accident. I continued my studies with crutches, and kayaking gave me a new direction. I started training under Coach Pinky Sahu and now have access to hostel facilities and free training in Raipur. My goal is to join the Chhattisgarh para-athlete team and compete nationally. Despite my disability, I aspire to win a medal for Chhattisgarh," Patel shared.

Another para-athlete, Horilal Yadav, is also training diligently with hopes of competing at the national level. "I learned about kayaking through Rakesh Singh Thakur, who informed me about the free training here. After observing practice sessions, I was drawn to the sport. Our coaches, Pinky Ma'am and Parvesh Sir, provide excellent training. We practice twice daily and are preparing for a national event with dedication," Yadav stated.

"The beauty of this sport is that with hard work, athletes can progress to inter-state and national levels. Our goal is to excel at the nationals and represent India in the future. Athletes come from various districts across Chhattisgarh for training. Our para-athletes are performing exceptionally well, challenging the notion that disabilities limit achievement. They have shown that determination can help overcome any obstacle. My dream is to excel at the national level and one day represent my country," he added.

Conclusion

With free coaching, access to equipment, and support for competition participation, kayaking and canoeing are evolving into more than just sports in Chhattisgarh. For the athletes training at Budha Talab, the journey is not solely about winning medals but also about breaking barriers and seizing the chance to represent their state and country.