Raipur – The Chhattisgarh government is all set to host the Chhattisgarh Olympics 2023-24, starting on July 17, coinciding with the auspicious Hareli festival. The event will span across six phases, spanning over two and a half months. The Chhattisgarh Olympics aims to promote and encourage traditional sports activities in both rural and urban areas, while providing a platform for participants and fostering a sense of sportsmanship, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel.
Officials from the sports department have revealed that individuals from all age groups, ranging from children to the elderly, will have the opportunity to participate in the Olympic sports competition. The competition includes 16 traditional games in both team and individual categories. This year, rope jumping and wrestling have been introduced as new additions to the individual category. The Panchayat and Rural Development Department will oversee the organization of the Chhattisgarhia Olympics in rural areas, while the Urban Administration and Development Department will manage the event in urban areas. The competition will conclude on September 27, 2023.
The team category of Chhattisgarhia Olympic Games includes popular traditional games like Gilli Danda, Pittool, Sankhali, Langdi Run, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Tug of War, and Banti (Kancha). In the individual category, sports such as Billus, Fugdi, Gedi Run, Bhanvra, 100-meter race, long jump, rope jump, and wrestling will be featured.
Officials have outlined the multi-level structure of the Chhattisgarhia Olympics. It will commence with the Rajiv Yuva Mitan Club level competition in both rural and urban areas from July 17 to July 22, followed by the Zone level competition from July 26 to July 31. The event will then progress to the development block and urban cluster level from August 7 to August 21. The district level competitions will take place from August 25 to September 4, followed by the divisional level events from September 10 to September 20. The grand finale will culminate with the state-level sports competitions, scheduled from September 25 to September 27.
Participants in the Chhattisgarhia Olympics will be divided into three age categories: up to 18 years, 18-40 years, and above 40 years. Both male and female participants are encouraged to take part in this inclusive competition.
Officials have also announced that winning participants will receive certificates and prize money at various levels. At the development block and urban cluster level, the first-place winners will be awarded Rs. 1000, while the second and third-place winners will receive Rs. 750 and Rs. 500 respectively, along with certificates. Similarly, at the district level, the prize money for the first-place winners will be Rs. 2000, Rs. 1500 for second place, and Rs. 1000 for third place, along with certificates. At the division level, the respective amounts are Rs. 3000, Rs. 2500, and Rs. 2000, along with certificates. In the grand state-level event, the top three winners will receive Rs. 5000, Rs. 4500, and Rs. 4000 respectively, along with certificates.
The Chhattisgarh Olympics aims to not only promote traditional sports but also instill a sense of sportsmanship and provide a platform for aspiring athletes across the state to showcase their talent and passion.
