“Karasay Ta Bastar, Barsay Ta Bastar”: Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma Review Preparations for Bastar Olympics

Over 40,000 Players to Compete in 11 Sporting Events

Raipur, Sept 2025 : Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma reviewed the preparations for the upcoming Bastar Olympics. The meeting, held today at Deputy CM Sao’s residence office in Nava Raipur, discussed in detail the framework and logistical arrangements to organize the event on a large scale this year as well, similar to last year.

Scheduled to be held in October–November, the Bastar Olympics will take place at three levels—development block, district, and division. More than 40,000 players from all seven districts and 32 development blocks of the Bastar division will participate in various competitions. Sports and Youth Welfare Department Secretary Yashwant Kumar, Joint Secretary Sukhnath Ahirwar, and Director Tanuja Salam also attended the meeting.

Speaking at the review, Deputy CM and Sports & Youth Welfare Minister Arun Sao said that the Bastar Olympics is not just about sports but represents a confluence of development and athletics. He described it as a collective effort aimed at empowering Bastar’s youth and fostering leadership among them.

“The state government wants to create a fear-free environment in Bastar through such constructive initiatives and connect youth with sports and celebrations,” Sao said. He instructed that a strong action plan be prepared in coordination with various departments to ensure the successful execution of the event, with the motto ‘Karasay Ta Bastar, Barsay Ta Bastar’ (If Bastar plays, Bastar wins) brought to life.

He further directed that last year’s winning players—declared as Youth Icons—along with sports officers, PTIs, panchayat secretaries, women of Bihan, and sports associations, be actively involved to take the Bastar Olympics to every household.

Deputy CM and Home Minister Vijay Sharma urged officials of the Sports & Youth Welfare Department to make the Bastar Olympics a memorable event by ensuring that all departments shoulder their responsibilities as per their roles.

He emphasized that wider participation from Bastar’s players would boost their confidence and foster a positive environment. Sharma also instructed officials to intensify publicity for the event and ensure participation of children from every village. To accelerate preparations, he announced that soon, a meeting of related departments, officials, and institutions would be held in Bastar itself.

Eleven Sporting Disciplines, Special Events for Disabled Victims of Naxal Violence and Surrendered Maoists

The Bastar Olympics will run for nearly one and a half months across development block, district, and divisional levels. Competitions will be held in 11 sports disciplines, including athletics, archery, badminton, football, hockey, weightlifting, karate, kabaddi, kho-kho, volleyball, and tug-of-war.

Separate contests will be organized for juniors (boys and girls) and seniors (men and women). At the divisional level, special competitions will also be held for disabled victims of Naxal violence and surrendered Maoists, both men and women, allowing them to showcase their strength and skills.