The land of Bastar is gearing up to establish a new identity in sports, alongside its rich culture and traditions. The third edition of the Bastar Olympics has begun in which young sports talents from the villages and remote regions of Bastar have been given a great platform to perform their skills. Moreover, the sporting event has a lot of enthusiasm this year, and the number of people who registered has also exceeded all past numbers
Record 6 lakh players register for Bastar Olympics
This year 6,00,492 players from the seven districts of Bastar Division registered for the competition. The number is up from around 3.92 lakh last year. Given this significant boost it is testament to sport’s popularity with local young people and demonstrates the positive impact of grassroots identification and promotion on sport.
Various sports disciplines to be included into competition were announced. Sports disciplines to be included in competition announced 11.
The third edition will have 11 sporting disciplines to put into practice and become a show case of their talent in various disciplines. Some of these are athletics, archery, badminton, football, hockey, weight lifting, karate, kho-kho, kabaddi, volleyball, and so on sports events scheduled.
Competition will be by junior and senior, providing opportunities for all ages.
Differently-abled players/deemed surrendered Maoists to come in.
Perhaps the most important feature of the “Bastar Olympics” this year is its emphasis on issues of social inclusion and rehabilitation. Differently able people facing violence from Naxals, and turned away surrendered Maoists will also be given a chance to be a part of the competition. There will be about 500 players from these groups to make their sport abilities visible.
It’s not just about organising sporting events, it’s also about helping teenagers from out-of-the-way communities connect with the mainstream and getting them to take an active role in sports – and make them feel like they’re getting chances to develop their skills.
The Bastar Olympics, given the high number of registrations and the greater participation, is becoming a significant avenue for sport development and social integration in the region. Now it’s all about the contestants and the new awards they could receive this year.