Event encompasses a total of 16 traditional games, divided into team and single categories

Participants of all ages encouraged to take part in this grand sports competition

Raipur, TNINS 

Chhattisgarhiya Olympics 2023–24, an event aimed at promoting traditional sports and fostering a sports culture in Chhattisgarh, is set to commence on July 17 this year, coinciding with the ‘Hareli Tihar’. Spanning over two months and ten days, the Chhattisgarhiya Olympics will be divided into six phases. The state government, led by Chief Minister Mr.Bhupesh Baghel, has started the Chhattisgarh Olympics to promote traditional sports activities across rural and urban areas. The event aims to provide a platform for participants, raise sports awareness, and foster a sporting spirit among the people of Chhattisgarh.

The Sports Department officials informed that participants of all ages, from children to the elderly, are encouraged to take part in this grand sports competition. The event encompasses a total of 16 traditional games, including both team and single categories. Notably, rope jumping and wrestling are two games added to this year's edition of the Chhattisgarhiya Olympics under the single category. The organisation of the Chhattisgarhiya Olympics falls under the responsibility of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department for rural areas and the Urban Administration and Development Department for urban regions. The competition will conclude on September 27, 2023, providing ample opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. The Chhattisgarhiya Olympics will be conducted in two categories, team and single. The team category will include games like ‘Gilli Danda’, ‘Pittul’, ‘Sankhali’, ‘Langdi Daud’, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, ‘Rassa Kassi’ (Tug of War), and Baati (Kancha). In the single category, participants can compete in ‘Billas’, ‘Fugdi’, ‘Gedi Daud’, ‘Bhawara’, the 100-metre race, the long jump, Rope Jumping, and Wrestling.

The Sports Department officials informed that Chhattisgarhiya Olympics is set to commence with a series of competitions at various levels, providing opportunities for athletes in both rural and urban areas. The tournament will commence on July 17 and run until July 22 at the Rajiv Yuva Mitan Club, using a knockout format. Following this, the second level, called the ‘Zone Level’, will feature eight Rajiv Yuva Mitan Clubs forming a single Rajiv Yuva Mitan Club group at the Zone Level, and the group formed at this level will compete with each other from July 26 to July 31. The event will then progress to the development block and urban cluster levels from August 7 to August 21. Subsequently, the district-level competitions will take place from August 25 to September 4, followed by the divisional level from September 10 to September 20. Lastly, the state-level Chhattisgarhiya Olympics will be held from September 25 to September 27. The Chhattisgarhiya Olympics will conclude on September 27.

The Chhattisgarhiya Olympics will feature participants divided into three age categories. The first category includes participants up to 18 years of age; the second category includes participants aged 18 to 40 years; and the third category includes participants above 40 years of age. Both male and female participants will have the opportunity to compete in this event.

The Sports Department officials informed that participants who excel in their respective events will not only receive recognition through certificates but also be rewarded with prize money. At the development block and urban cluster level, the winners will receive Rs. 1,000, the runner-up will receive Rs. 750, and the third-place contestants will receive Rs. 500, along with certificates. At district level, the winners will receive certificates and Rs. 2,000 in cash, while the runners-up will receive Rs. 1,500, and those in third place will receive Rs. 1,000. At the divisional level, the winner will receive Rs. 3,000, the runner-up will receive Rs. 2,500, and the third-place competitors will receive Rs. 2,000, in addition to certificates. Lastly, at the state-level competition, the top-ranked contestants will receive ₹5,000, the second-place contestants will receive ₹4,500, and the third-place contestants will receive ₹4,000, along with certificates.