Bastar Olympic 2025: A Message of Peace and Harmony Through Sports Under the Leadership of CM Sai

Raipur, October 22

The ‘Bastar Olympic 2025’ is being organized in the Scheduled Tribe-dominated Bastar Division of Chhattisgarh with the aim of honing the energy, enthusiasm, and talent of the youth. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, and jointly organized by the Home (Police) Department and the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, this event will create a new identity for Bastar in the state’s Silver Jubilee year.
The excitement for Bastar Olympic 2025 can be gauged by the fact that so far, 3,91,289 players have registered from the 7 districts of Bastar Division. This includes 1,63,668 male and 2,27,621 female players. This number not only reflects the growing enthusiasm for sports among Bastar’s youth but also proves that sports have now become a symbol of a new social consciousness and equal participation on the land of Bastar.
Initiative to Bring Bastar’s Sporting Talent to the National Stage
The main objective of this event is to connect the youth of Bastar with the mainstream and identify their inherent sporting talent. This initiative is not just a sports event, but it will also become a bridge of trust and dialogue between the government and the people. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also said in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program – “Bastar Olympic is not just a sports event; it is a platform where development and sports converge, where our youth are refining their talents and building a new India.” This model is being viewed across the country as a unique initiative of ‘Peace and Trust through Sports’.
The competition includes sports such as Athletics, Archery, Football, Badminton, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Volleyball, Karate, Weightlifting, and Hockey. It will promote not only modern sports but will also provide a stage for players associated with local traditions.
Apart from the Junior (14-17 years) and Senior categories, special categories of participants—persons with disabilities due to Naxal violence and surrendered Naxals—are also being included in the Bastar Olympic. This initiative is a historic step towards rehabilitation, revitalization, and social integration through sports.
The competitions are being held at three levels—Block, District, and Division levels. The competition at the Block level will start from October 25, at the District level from November 5, and at the Division level from November 24. Winners at the District and Division levels will be awarded cash prizes, medals, trophies, and shields. The cash amount will be deposited directly into the players’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The winning players at the Divisional level will be promoted as “Bastar Youth Icons.” This ‘Sports for Peace’ model will become a symbol of a new social consciousness in Bastar.
The Wild Buffalo and the Hill Myna have been designated as the mascots for ‘Bastar Olympic 2025’, symbolizing Bastar’s vibrancy and community strength. This event will celebrate not only sports but also a new era of Bastar’s culture, harmony, and development.