TFP Bureau, Raipur, December 29, 2024: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in the 117th episode of his radio program Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, praised the Bastar Olympics-2024, a pioneering initiative by the Chhattisgarh government under Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai. Calling it a “new revolution” in Bastar, the Prime Minister highlighted how the event, held in a region once synonymous with Maoist violence, reflects the power of peace, development, and collective effort.
Shri Modi said, “The Bastar Olympics is a remarkable initiative that showcases the region’s rich culture and determination. The mascot, representing the wild buffalo and the hill myna, embodies Bastar’s heritage, while its motto, Karasay ta Bastar, Barsay ta Bastar (Bastar will play, Bastar will win), inspires the youth.”
With 1.65 lakh participants from seven districts of the Bastar division competing in sports like athletics, archery, badminton, football, and hockey, the event has become a symbol of change and resilience. The Prime Minister shared inspiring stories of athletes like Kari Kashyap, who won a silver medal in archery, and Payal Kawasi, who secured gold in the javelin throw, both crediting the Olympics for providing them a platform to excel.
Shri Modi also hailed the courage of Punem Sanna, a wheelchair athlete from Dornapal, who overcame her past association with Naxalism to win medals, and Kondagaon’s Ranju Sori, an archer named the “Bastar Youth Icon.” He emphasized that the Bastar Olympics is not just a sporting event but a confluence of development and sports, giving remote areas a chance to shine on the national stage.
“Sports is not only a tool for physical development but also a powerful medium to unite society and nurture talent,” the Prime Minister added, calling for more initiatives like the Bastar Olympics to promote local sports and athletes.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for recognizing the event, stating, “Under the Prime Minister’s guidance, we are committed to transforming Bastar and improving the lives of its people. The resounding success of the Bastar Olympics, with over 1.65 lakh participants, symbolizes this change. Today, Bastar echoes with the laughter and cheers of sports, not the sounds of guns.”
Shri Sai added that the Bastar Olympics has gained national recognition and will continue to drive development in the region through sports and cultural events. “This initiative proves that with peace, development, and collective effort, every challenge can be overcome,” he concluded.
The Bastar Olympics is seen as a milestone in showcasing the potential of sports to foster growth and unity in a historically conflict-ridden region.
