‘Chhattisgarhiya Olympics’: Disability no bar for this rural woman to showcase her sports talent

Raipur: Physical disability is no bar when it comes to doing something that you actually want. Gurbari, a resident of village Sargipal of Bakawand block of Bastar, has Dupuytren contracture (a condition that causes deformities of the hand, most often in the middle finger, ring finger, and pinky) affecting her left hand. But despite her physical disability, she participated in several games organized under the ‘Chhattisgarhiya Olympics’ at the Rajiv Yuva Mitan Club level and also won the team category games Kabaddi and Kho-Kho.

‘Chhattisgarhiya Olympics’ is providing a platform for talented sportsperson across the state to display their sporting skills in traditional sports. People of all ages are participating in this multi-sport event with great enthusiasm and zeal.

Hailing from a small hamlet in the tribal-dominated area, Gurbani said that “I can do all the work with one hand, which a normal person can do. Although every sport needs a specific type of physical fitness, what’s more important is strong will and dedication. It’s all that gave me the courage and confidence to do any work I want.”

She participated in the Langdi race, Pitthul, 100-meter race, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, and chair race. Speaking about the ‘Chhattisgarhia Olympics’, Gurbari said that it’s a unique initiative of the government, due to which rural women like us have got an opportunity to showcase our hidden talents. Expressing her happiness on the team’s victory she said “I am glad that I will get more opportunities to play in the competitions ahead”.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Government has undertaken a special initiative to revive one of the most delightful parts of our age-old tradition–traditional games–in a grand way by organizing the ‘Chhattisgarhiya Olympics’. The grand event aims to bring back the era of traditional games and create an environment to make these games flourish.