Bastar. This time the youth of former Naxalites and Naxal affected areas are going to show great sporting prowess in Bastar Olympics 2025. IG Bastar Sundarraj P said in an exclusive interview that this time also a large number of surrendered youth are taking part. About 600 surrendered Naxal and Naxal victim youth will show their talent in various sports. He said that the youth who once used to carry weapons in the forests, are now trying to create a new future by entering the sports field. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will participate in its concluding program.
IG Bastar Sundarraj P said that the event has now become the Mahakumbh of sports. He said that this time the aim is that talent should come out from the innermost areas of Bastar and the youth should be able to create a new identity through sports. IG Sundarraj P said that Bastar Olympics is not just a competition. This is part of the process of connecting Bastar with the mainstream. He said that this time seven teams from seven districts will participate in the event. Along with this, a special team of rehabilitation model ‘Nua Baat’ will come into the field as the eighth team. Sundarraj P said that more than 3 lakh youth have registered.
Division level competitions from 11th to 13th December in Jagdalpur.
Like before, this Olympics, starting from village, block and district level, has now entered division level competitions. Block and district level phases have been successfully completed. Now division level competitions will be held in Jagdalpur from 11 to 13 December. Seven teams from seven districts of Bastar division are participating in this event. Apart from these teams, this time a special ‘eighth team’ is also being added. This team is associated with the ‘Nua Baat’ rehabilitation model, which will include those youth who have left the path of violence in recent years and have joined the mainstream of society.
Sports like Athletics, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Football, Archery, Basketball
Security agencies are also making special preparations regarding the involvement of former Naxalites. Organizers say that registration, verification and profiling of every player included in the field has been done. Security arrangements have also been strengthened at the sports venue. The event includes traditional and modern sports like athletics, kabaddi, kho-kho, football, archery, basketball, sack race, tug of war. Both rural and urban youth participate in it. The main objective of the event is to increase social unity through sports.
Have started a new life with the help of sports
According to IG Sundar Raj P, Bastar Olympics is a big opportunity for those youth who have left the life of violence and fear. He now wants to establish himself as a player. Many youth have said that they have now started a new life with the help of sports. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will also come to Jagdalpur to witness this event. Officials have confirmed that Amit Shah will be present at the closing ceremony. Many former Naxalites will be seen participating in sports competitions in front of him.
Stadium, stage, security, arrangements of players and safety of spectators
With the arrival of Amit Shah, preparations for the entire event have intensified. Work on the stadium, stage, security, arrangements for players and seating plan for spectators is in the final stage. The district administration and police are jointly supervising the program. Bastar Olympics is becoming a big platform for the youth of the region for the third consecutive year. It is discussed in every village. Many families said that they were feeling proud to see the children taking part in such a big program for the first time. The participation of former Naxalites has made this event more special. The hands which once held weapons are now seen holding sports equipment. This change presents a bigger picture of the changing environment of Bastar.
