INSPIRED by the remarkable success of inaugural mega sports event last year, State Government is organising ‘Bastar Olympics 2025’ in Bastar Division in a larger scale from October 25 to November 15. Competitions will be conducted in three stages, block level, district level and divisional level. Block-level events will be held from October 25 to November 5, followed by district-level competitions from November 6 to 15.

 

The grand divisional finals will take place from November 24 to 30. Conceptualised as a regional sports competition last year has now evolved into a grand celebration of the region’s social harmony, cultural identity and youthful spirit. The Bastar Olympics symbolise collective energy, enthusiasm and unity of the tribal heartland, where traditional games are not just a sport but a way of life.

 

While talking to the mediapersons at New Circuit House in Raipur, Deputy Chief Minister and Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Arun Sao informed that primary objective of the Bastar Olympics is to nurture a sense of pride, solidarity and participation among the youth of Bastar’s rural communities. It seeks to revive traditional sports, promote physical well-being and strengthen social bonds through healthy competition and cultural exchange. While praising the growing popularity of the mega event,

 

Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Arun Sao said, “Around 1.65 lakh players took part in various competitions in 2024, while this year the number has more than doubled to an impressive 3,91,297 participants which includes 1,63,668 men and 2,27,629 women. The encouraging surge reflects how Bastar Olympic has become a mass movement that unites people across the region”.

 

Elaborating on the features of the games, the Sports and Youth Welfare Minister said that a total of eleven traditional and modern games have been included in this year’s edition, featuring disciplines like athletics, kabaddi, badminton, football, archery, hockey, karate, kho-kho, volleyball, weightlifting, tug-of-war and other indigenous sports. Preparations are in full swing, with over 62 playgrounds identified across 32 development blocks in seven districts. The event will be supported by physical education teachers,

 

sports trainers and technical officials to ensure fair and professional execution. State Government has also announced attractive rewards to encourage participants. Winners at the development block level will receive medals, trophies and certificates, while district-level champions will be awarded Rs 2,000 for individual events and Rs 4,000 for team sports. At the divisional level, the rewards will be Rs 5,000 for individual winners and

 

Rs 10,000 for team winners, along with trophies and certificates. State Government has also announced to further motivate promising talents by offering training opportunities in its sports academies and helping selected players prepare for national and international competitions. The Bastar Olympic 2025 will conclude with a grand closing ceremony. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to grace the event as Chief guest.