Players from all seven districts in the Bastar division, Jagdalpur, Kanker, Kondagaon, Bijapur, Dantewada, Sukma and Narayanpur, will compete in 11 sports, including archery, kabaddi, football, hockey, badminton, kho-kho, volleyball, karate, athletics, weightlifting and tug-of-war. A series of competitions is being held at various levels, covering both team and individual categories.

One of the most striking features of this year’s edition is the participation of surrendered Maoists, competing under the new identity of ‘Yuva Baat’. Bastar, officials say, is turning a page, from bullets to belief, from conflict to confidence, as individuals who once held weapons are now showcasing talent, speed and the hope of a new beginning on the sports field.

Alongside them, Divyang (persons with disabilities) players affected by Naxal violence are also taking part, making the event not just a sporting festival but a symbol of harmony, social inclusion and transformative change in Bastar.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the Bastar Olympic is “not merely a sporting platform but a bridge connecting the youth with the mainstream”. He added, “The energy shown by the young people of Bastar proves that the region is moving rapidly towards peace, development and positive transformation.”