Chief Minister Unveils Logo, Mascot for Bastar Olympics 2024; Event to Showcase Bastar’s Talent and Drive Youth Engagement
Raipur
Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai unveiled the logo and mascot for the Bastar Olympics 2024 at his residence office on Saturday and flagged off two promotional vehicles to build excitement for the upcoming event. Set to run from November 5 to December 10, the Bastar Olympics 2024 aims to connect Bastar’s youth with mainstream development, showcase the region’s athletic talent, and strengthen the relationship between the local population and the government. During the event, the Chief Minister reviewed preparations in a virtual meeting, joined by Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, as well as the Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, Tankaram Verma.
In his address, Chief Minister Sai directed officials to ensure necessary arrangements for athletes, including accommodation, food, security, and medical facilities. He emphasized that the state government has made significant strides in establishing peace in Bastar over the past 9–10 months with central government support. According to him, the Bastar Olympics is designed to promote community integration and social development. The overwhelming registration of over 165,000 participants reflects the local community’s desire for peace and inclusion in development, with a nearly equal number of men and women signing up, even from sensitive areas.
Deputy Chief Minister Sao encouraged a grand execution of the event, while Deputy Chief Minister Sharma called for maximum athlete participation. Minister Verma noted that the Bastar Olympics aligns with Chief Minister Sai’s vision to propel Bastar in a new direction.
Logo and Mascot Details: The Bastar Olympics 2024 logo and mascot incorporate symbols of Bastar’s rich tradition. The logo features the traditional “Turhi” musical instrument on each side, used to honor deities and announce important events in villages. At the center, “Bastar Olympics 2024” is written in Hindi, surrounded by icons of sports like archery, hockey, weightlifting, football, and volleyball to inspire local athletes. The slogan in the Gondi language, “Karsay ta Bastar, Barsay ta Bastar” (Bastar will play, Bastar will grow), is displayed at the bottom.
The mascot prominently features the state animal, the Forest Buffalo, and the state bird, the Hill Myna, symbolizing wildlife conservation. Depicted in sports attire, the Forest Buffalo represents athleticism, with a cheerful Hill Myna perched on its horn, inspiring community involvement.
Events and Participation: The Bastar Olympics will host competitions across 11 disciplines at the block, district, and divisional levels. Athletic events include the 100m, 200m, 400m races, long jump, high jump, shot put, discus throw, javelin throw, and relay race. Additional sports include archery (Indian round 30m, 50m), badminton, football, hockey, weightlifting, karate, kabaddi, kho-kho, volleyball, and tug of war. Tug of war will be a demonstration event exclusively for senior women, while hockey and weightlifting will begin at the district level.
Special provisions will enable differently-abled individuals affected by Naxal violence and surrendered Naxalites to participate directly at the divisional level.
Officials shared that winners at the block level will receive certificates and mementos. At the district and divisional levels, cash prizes, certificates, and mementos will be awarded, with funds transferred directly to winners’ bank accounts. Divisional champions will be promoted as “Youth Icons of Bastar”.
The meeting was attended by ADGP S.R.P. Kalluri, Chief Minister’s Secretary Rahul Bhagat, Secretary of Sports and Youth Welfare Himshikhar Gupta, Director Tanuja Salam, and senior officials. Collectors, Superintendents of Police, District Panchayat CEOs, and other district-level officials from all districts of the Bastar division joined the meeting virtually.
