Team News Riveting
Raipur, December 29
The Bastar Olympics organised in Chhattisgarh’s once Maoist-infested region had found place in the Mann Ki Baat of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Bastar Olympics 2024 was organized to connect the youth of Bastar division to the mainstream of society and development through sports. The purpose of the event was to identify the sports talent of the youth here and prepare them as players. Bastar Olympics 2024 was organized between November 5 and December 10.
In the 117th episode of Mann Ki Maat delivered on Sunday, Prime Minister said: “Friends, I now want to tell you something unique which is a symbol of the changes taking place in our country and the zeal and enthusiasm of young friends. Do you know that a unique Olympic has started in our Bastar! Yes, a new revolution is coming into being in Bastar through the first Bastar Olympics. It is a matter of great joy for me that the dream of Bastar Olympics has come true. You will also be happy to know that this is taking place in the region which was once a witness to Maoist violence. The mascot of the Bastar Olympics is – ‘Wild Water Buffalo’ and ‘Hill Myna’. It reflects the rich culture of Bastar. The defining Mantra of this sports Mahakumbh is – ‘Karsay Ta Bastar Barsaye Ta Bastar’ i.e. ‘Bastar will play – Bastar will win’.”
In the very first instance, one lakh 65 thousand players from 7 districts have participated in the Bastar Olympics, Modi said, adding that it is not just a statistic – it is the proud story of the resolve of the youth. Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Football, Hockey, Weightlifting, Karate, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho and Volleyball – the youth have gloriously displayed their talent in every sport.
Kari Kashyap ji’s story inspires him a lot. Kari ji, who hails from a small village, has won a silver medal in archery. The Prime Minister said she says – “Bastar Olympics has given us not just a playground but an opportunity to move ahead in life”. What Payal Kawasi ji from Sukma says is no less inspiring. Payal ji, who won a gold medal in Javelin Throw, says – “With discipline and hard work, no goal is impossible”. The story of Punem Sanna ji from Dornapal in Sukma is an inspiring tale of New India. Punem ji, who was once under Naxal influence, is today winning medals by racing on a wheelchair. His courage and zeal is an inspiration for everyone. Archer Ranju Sori from Kodagaon has been chosen as the ‘Bastar youth icon’. She believes that Bastar Olympics is giving the youth from remote areas an opportunity to reach the national stage.”
Friends, Bastar Olympics is not just a sports event. It is a platform where development and sports are merging together, where our youth are honing their talent and building a new Bharat. I urge all of you to: Encourage such sports events in your area, share stories of sports talents from your area with #KhelegaBharat – JeetegaBharat, give local sports talents an opportunity to progress and remember, sports not only lead to physical development, but is also a powerful medium to connect society with the sportsman spirit.
“So, play well and bloom well. My dear countrymen, two big achievements of India are attracting the attention of the world today. You will also feel proud to hear about them,” the Prime Minister said.
