Raipur।
With the Divisional Level Competitions of the Bastar Olympics-2025 approaching, preparations are being intensified to ensure a grand and smooth event in Jagdalpur from December 11 to 13. Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Arun Sao and Shri Vijay Sharma conducted a comprehensive review of the arrangements during a high-level meeting held at Shri Sharma’s Civil Lines residence office in Raipur.
During the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare Shri Arun Sao said that the Bastar Olympics represent a “confluence of development and sports.” He highlighted that the event has been designed not just as a sporting platform but as a major initiative toward youth empowerment, leadership development, and cultural expression across the Bastar region.
Shri Sao instructed all departments to ensure strong and coordinated arrangements for accommodation, cleanliness, food, security, transportation, and cultural programs for the 3,500 athletes participating in the divisional competitions. He emphasized that the event should send a positive message across the country and the world.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma urged officials to make the event memorable by performing their duties with full dedication. He encouraged the involvement of more national and international players to motivate the youth and channel their energy into constructive activities. He further proposed that winners of the current and previous seasons of the Bastar Olympics be designated as Youth Icons to inspire larger participation among youngsters.
Athletes and Sports Line-up
Around 3,500 athletes, who have emerged victorious at the district level competitions, will compete in the divisional stage. In a meaningful effort toward inclusivity and social harmony, nearly 500 participants will include victims of Naxal violence and rehabilitated former Naxalites, showcasing resilience and determination through sports.
This year, the Bastar Olympics recorded an overwhelming response with more than 391,000 registrations from all 32 blocks of the division. The athletes will compete in 11 sporting disciplines:
- Athletics
- Archery
- Badminton
- Football
- Hockey
- Weightlifting
- Karate
- Kabaddi
- Kho-Kho
- Volleyball
- Tug-of-War (Rassakheench)
Venues in Jagdalpur
“Bastar District’s In-Charge Sports Officer Shri Rishikesh Tiwari shared details of the venues:
- City Ground, Jagdalpur — Football, Volleyball, Karate, Weightlifting, Badminton
- Khelo India Centre, Pandripani — Hockey
- Kriida Parisar (Sports Complex), Dharampura — Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Archery, Athletics, Tug-of-War
The review meeting was also attended virtually by Divisional Commissioner Shri Doman Singh, Inspector General of Police Shri Sundarraj P., along with Collectors, Zila Panchayat CEOs, Sports Officers from all districts, and senior officials of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department.