Raipur, The division-level Bastar Olympics 2025 began with a grand and vibrant inauguration ceremony at the Indira Priyadarshini Stadium in Jagdalpur today. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the event, encouraging thousands of participating athletes and declaring that the government stands firmly with the people of Bastar in every step of their progress.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said Bastar is steadily moving toward peace, harmony, and prosperity, asserting that the government is committed to ensuring that development reaches every village of the region. He added that the widespread participation of youth reflects their growing faith in democracy and their desire to join the mainstream of development.

Sai informed that the enthusiastic participation of athletes from ‘Nua Bat’ has given the Bastar Olympics a unique identity this year. He explained that ‘Nua Bat’ (meaning ‘New Path’ in the local Halbi dialect) is a special team comprising surrendered Maoist cadres and victims of Naxal violence. He also noted the remarkable participation of women, stating that it symbolises a new chapter of women’s empowerment in Bastar.

The Chief Minister announced that the government aims to prepare Bastar athletes for international competitions by providing better facilities and training. He reiterated that athletes winning gold, silver, and bronze medals in international Olympic events will receive honorariums of ₹3 crore, ₹2 crore, and ₹1 crore respectively.

Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma also addressed the gathering, describing the Bastar Olympics as an important initiative that connects youth with sports and the broader development process. They assured that sports infrastructure in the region will continue to be strengthened to nurture emerging talent.

Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap and Olympic medalist M.C. Mary Kom were present at the ceremony and encouraged the athletes. Sports and Youth Welfare Director Tanuja Salam shared that around 3,500 athletes from all seven districts of the Bastar division and the ‘Nua Bat’ team are participating at the division level. She described it as a proud moment for Bastar, noting that the total number of registered participants this year has risen to over 3.92 lakh, including more than 2.27 lakh women, a significant increase from last year’s 1.65 lakh.

The opening ceremony commenced with the lighting of the torch and fireworks, followed by cultural performances by students from Mata Rukmani Kanya Ashram and other schools. MLAs, national athletes, administrative officers, coaches, and a large number of sports enthusiasts attended the event.

A special highlight was the torch run by athletes Vijay Dodi from Poorvarti in Sukma district and Saloni Kawachi from Orchha in Narayanpur district. Their spirited run around the stadium before lighting the main torch became an emotional moment for spectators, especially as both athletes hail from remote and formerly Maoist-affected regions.