Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai Unveils Logo and Mascot for Bastar Olympics 2024

Raipur, November, 2024* – Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai today officially unveiled the logo and mascot for the Bastar Olympics 2024 at his residence office. He also flagged off two promotional vehicles, marking the start of extensive outreach efforts.

### A Major Initiative for Youth Development in Bastar
Scheduled from November 5 to December 10, Bastar Olympics 2024 aims to integrate the region’s youth into the mainstream of development, showcase local sports talent, and strengthen ties between the government and the people of Bastar. During a virtual review meeting, the Chief Minister assessed the event’s preparations. Joining him were Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sahu and Vijay Sharma, as well as Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Tankaram Verma.

Chief Minister Sai emphasized the importance of comprehensive arrangements for the players, including accommodations, meals, security, and medical support. He highlighted the success of peace efforts in Bastar, with significant contributions from the central government over the past 9-10 months. “The Bastar Olympics is more than just a sports event; it’s a platform to connect the youth with society and development,” he said. Notably, over 165,000 youth have registered, reflecting the community’s desire for peace and progress. An impressive number of men and women, including from conflict-affected areas, have signed up, with nearly equal representation of both genders.

### Commitment to a Grand and Inclusive Event
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sahu called for a grand and dignified execution of the event, while Vijay Sharma stressed maximum athlete participation. Minister Tankaram Verma reiterated the government’s vision to pave a new path for Bastar through this initiative.

### Traditional Identity Embodied in the Logo and Mascot
The logo and mascot of Bastar Olympics 2024 celebrate the region’s cultural heritage. The logo features the traditional “Turhi” instrument on both sides, a symbol of respect played during village fairs and for public announcements. The center displays “Bastar Olympics 2024” in Hindi, with icons representing archery, hockey, weightlifting, football, and volleyball to inspire sportsmanship. Beneath, the local Gondi slogan “Karsay Ta Bastar, Barsay Ta Bastar” translates to “Play for Bastar, Grow with Bastar.”

The mascot combines the Wild Buffalo, Chhattisgarh’s state animal, and the Hill Myna, the state bird, emphasizing wildlife conservation. The mascot portrays the Wild Buffalo in sports attire, with the cheerful Hill Myna perched on its horns, symbolizing unity and enthusiasm for sports.

### An Array of Exciting Competitions
Bastar Olympics 2024 will feature 11 sports categories, including athletics (100m, 200m, 400m races, long jump, high jump, shot put, discus throw, javelin throw, and relay races), archery (Indian Round 30m, 50m), badminton, football, hockey, weightlifting, karate, kabaddi, kho-kho, volleyball, and tug-of-war. Notably, hockey and weightlifting will begin at the district level, while other sports will start from the block level. Tug-of-war will be a demonstration sport for senior women, with male and female athletes competing in both junior and senior categories. Special provisions have been made for disabled individuals affected by insurgent violence and surrendered Naxalites to participate directly at the divisional level.

### Extensive Preparations Underway
Officials reported that organizing committees have been formed from the block to the divisional level, with nodal officers appointed across departments. A massive promotional campaign is being conducted from the state capital to Bastar’s headquarters and block-level offices to ensure maximum youth engagement. Preparations for block and district-level events are nearly complete.

Winners at the block level will receive certificates and trophies, while district and divisional winners will be awarded cash prizes through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), along with certificates and trophies. Divisional champions will be celebrated as “Youth Icons of Bastar,” bringing pride and recognition to the region.

The meeting was attended by ADGP S.R.P. Kalluri, the Chief Minister’s Secretary Rahul Bhagat, Secretary of Sports and Youth Welfare Himshikhar Gupta, Director Tanuja Salam, and senior officials. Collectors, police superintendents, CEOs of district panchayats, and other district officers from Bastar’s divisions participated virtually.

Pic Credits: dprcg.

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Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)

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