Chhattisgarh CM Inaugurates Divisional-Level Bastar Olympics
The participants included surrendered Maoists and victims of Naxal violences in Bastar
Raipur: Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday unveiled the divisional-level Bastar Olympics, the final phase of the mega sports event, at Jagdalpur, headquarters of Bastar, in Chhattisgarh.
The second edition of the Bastar Olympics which began at the cluster (of three villages)-level across seven districts of Bastar division in October this year has been participated by a record 3,92,000 as compared to 1,65,000 in its first edition, held in 2024.
The participants included surrendered Maoists and victims of Naxal violences in Bastar.
“The enthusiastic participation of Bastar’s youth has made this major event a success and a historic milestone. The participation of a large number of young women is a clear sign that women’s empowerment in Bastar is moving in a new and promising direction”, Mr. Sai said while addressing a function organized on the occasion.
Sharing his message of reassurance and solidarity with the tribals of Bastar, he said that “Your Chief Minister comes from within your society, he is your brother. You must move ahead with confidence, and your government stands beside you with every step”.
International boxing player Mary Kom was present on the occasion.
He said that the government is making every possible effort to bring development to every village of Bastar, and as a result, Bastar is steadily moving towards peace, harmony and prosperity, contributing significantly to the progress of both the state and the nation.
Mr. Sai reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring that youth of Bastar are connected to the mainstream of society and engaged meaningfully in development.
This is why young people in Bastar are coming forward with ‘faith in democracy’ and playing an active role in the journey of progress, he said referring to the growing number of Naxals choosing to join the mainstream by giving up arms.
He announced that the athletes from Chhattisgarh who win gold, silver, and bronze medals at the international Olympic events will receive honours of Rs three crore, Rs two crore and Rs one crore respectively.