Chhattisgarh Chief Minister inaugurated the ‘Chhattisgarhiya Olympics’ on October 6, which will feature 14 types of traditional sports and will run until January 6, according to an official.
The grand multi-sport event was inaugurated at Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur, claiming to revive the age-old-tradition of traditional games namely ‘langdi’, ‘bhaura’, ‘bati’ (kancha), and ‘pitthul’.
Pointing out the benefits of playing traditional games, he said, “These games are not only entertaining but also beneficial for maintaining good physical and mental health. In rural areas, children, elderly, and youth—all will engage in these games for entertainment and to keep themselves fit.”
About the ‘Chhattisgarhia olympics’
The traditional sports competition of Chhattisgarh will be held in group and singles categories. A total 14 types of traditional sports have been included in the Chhattisgarh Olympics 2022-23.
The games falling under the team category include gilli-danda, pitthul, sankhali, langdi-race, kabaddi, kho-Kho and kancha.
Similarly, games under the Individual category include billas, fugdi, gedi race, bhaura (Indian spinning top), 100-meters race and long jump.
The ‘chhattisgarhia olympics’will be organised at six levels. The first is the village level that will be of ‘Rajiv Yuva Mitan Club’. The second is the zonal level in which there will be a club comprising eight Rajiv Yuva Mitan clubs. Similarly, at the development block/urban cluster level, district level, divisional level, and lastly at the state level.
Besides, there are three age group categories including the first category for participants till the age of 18 years, the second for the participants under 18-40 years of age group, and lastly for participants above 40 years of age.
The state government also issued a rule book and they have been sent to each district.
Officials commented on the inclusion of games that are not part of national games, saying that the government is already promoting national sports with all resources, and that the goal of this event is to promote local culture.
“The aim is to provide a centerstage to the village level sports so that a feeling of pride for the culture is inculcated. Secondly, to channelise the energy of the local youths which is very important for our society,” said a senior official of the chief minister’s office.
