Players to compete in 16 traditional sports across 6 phases

Chief Minister Mr.Bhupesh Baghel flagged off the ‘Gedi’ race to mark the commencement of Chhattisgarhiya Olympics 2023–24

Chief Minister also released the mascot of the Chhattisgarhiya Olympics, ‘Bachru’

Chhattisgarhiya Olympics to be organised in 6 different levels; competition of the first level commences at Rajiv Yuva Mitan Club with a knockout format

16 traditional games are divided into two categories, Team and Single categories

Rope Jumping and wrestling added to the Chhattisgarhiya Olympics 2023-24

Raipur, TNINS 

Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel on Monday inaugurated the Chhattisgarhia Olympics at Gram Panchayat Nawagaon in Raipur on the auspicious occasion of the Hareli festival. Chief Minister marked the beginning of the event by waving the green flag, symbolizing the start of the 'Gedi' race. Additionally, he personally distributed sports equipment to the participating players.

Chhattisgarhia Olympics, now in its second year, has gained immense popularity. To cater to the growing interest traditional sports including rope jumping and wrestling are now a part of this event for the first time. The event will feature competitions of 16 traditional sports in 6 phases, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and compete at various levels. Over 30 lakh female and male participants will take part in the Chhattisgarhia Olympics in three different age groups.

The Chhattisgarhiya Olympics commenced in the presence of Chief Minister Mr.Bhupesh Baghel on the day of ‘Hareli Tihar’ in Nawagaon Gram Panchayat of Raipur district. He flagged off the ’Gedi’ race to mark the commencement of the Chhattisgarhiya Olympics and distributed sports equipment to the athletes.

The Chhattisgarhiya Olympics, now in its second year, has gained immense popularity. To further enhance the event, the authority has added two more games to the current edition of the Chhattisgarhiya Olympics, rope jumping and wrestling. The Chhattisgarhiya Olympics will be held in six stages, featuring 16 traditional games. With over 30 lakh participants across three age groups, both males and females will have the opportunity to exhibit their sporting skills and talent in this grand sporting extravaganza.

The vibrant festival of Hareli, associated with Chhattisgarh's folk culture, is celebrated joyously across the state. On this auspicious day, farmers worship their agricultural tools, and people of all ages indulge in several activities like playing ‘Gedi’. Adding to the excitement, the Chhattisgarh Olympics commenced on the day of ‘Hareli Tihar’. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr.Bhupesh Baghel and the guidance of Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Mr.Umesh Patel, the Chhattisgarhiya Olympics has garnered immense enthusiasm and participation. It is a double delight for the people, uniting tradition and sports in a celebration of Chhattisgarh's rich heritage.

The previous Chhattisgarhiya Olympics witnessed an unparalleled level of enthusiasm across the state. Participants of all ages, including women and children, wholeheartedly participated in the competition. Traditional games gained significant popularity, fostering a positive environment in every village. Several inspiring moments emerged from the event that have motivated people. Married women, even those residing in their in-laws' homes, actively participated in large numbers. Domestic workers, typically occupied with household chores, showcased their skills in various sports competitions such as ‘gedi’, ‘langdi daud’, fugdi, and rassa-kasi (tug of war) and received abundant encouragement from the spectators. During the Chief Minister's Bhent-Mulakat Abhiyan, numerous participants expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Mr.Bhupesh Baghel for initiating the Chhattisgarhiya Olympics and fervently requested its continuation.

Age and physical disabilities fail to dampen the participants' spirits

Last year's Chhattisgarhiya Olympics witnessed an impressive turnout, with over 25 lakh participants from rural areas and more than 130,000 from urban areas. Remarkably, the event witnessed various moments where age and physical disabilities failed to dampen the participants' spirits. In the Fugdi category, 65-year-old Mrs. Ashobai from Hardi Gram Panchayat of Raipur division won in the above-40 age group, playing for an astonishing 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 58 seconds, displaying her unwavering passion. Another remarkable story is that of Gubbari, a resident of Sargipali village in Bastar district, who defied physical limitations and adverse circumstances to participate in the Olympics with the utmost vigour. Despite lacking the palm of his left hand, Gubbari excelled in various sports at the Rajiv Yuva Mitan club level, including team sports like Kabaddi and Kho-Kho. The Chhattisgarhiya Olympics is not only providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talent but also opening doors for further sports-related opportunities. The state government has granted a golden opportunity to Nabonita Baira, who performed astonishingly in the Chhattisgarhiya Olympics 2022–23, to receive training at the Bilaspur Sports Academy.

Players will compete in 16 different games in Chhattisgarhiya Olympics 2023-24

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.

Competition for the first level commences at Rajiv Yuva Mitan Club with a knockout format

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 final phase of the Chhattisgarhiya Olympics will be held from September 25 to September 27. The Chhattisgarhiya Olympics will conclude on September 27.

Participants of all age groups are eligible for Chhattisgarhiya Olympics

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.

Cash prizes to be awarded to winners of Chhattisgarhiya Olympics

In the upcoming Chhattisgarhiya Olympics, 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.

Safety First: First-aid facilities at all levels will be available for participants in Chhattisgarhiya Olympics

The organising committee of the Chhattisgarhiya Olympics has prioritised the safety and well-being of participants by implementing several measures. First aid kits will be made available at each event level, and efforts will be made to ensure local emergency medical facilities are accessible. The committee will also be responsible for arranging ambulances at the venue. In a move to promote gender equality, the Sports and Youth Welfare Department has mandated the appointment of women referees and judges for women players. Additionally, players at all levels of the event must possess valid identity certificates, as per the department's instructions.