Casting another dice in his obvious game-plan of promoting regional pride, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday inaugurated the maiden ‘Chhattisgarhiya Olympics’ —a three-month long competition of traditional sports open to people of all age groups across the state.
Baghel has been promoting regional pride and identity in the state ever since the Congress government made a comeback in the state in 2018 after a gap of 15 years. Political observers say that the chief minister has consciously tried to pitch Chhattisgarh regional pride against the hyper-nationalist politics of opposition BJP.
They feel Baghel has been successful in showcasing Chhattisgarh culture and tradition and inculcating pride into people by taking up various promotional initiatives including focus on agriculture and allied occupations and turning eating of traditional dishes like ‘bore-baasi’ (watered stale rice) into an international event. The 'Chhattisgarhiya Olympics' event is also being looked upon as another step in this strategy of the Congress in the state.
After inaugurating the event in Raipur, Baghel interacted with participants and engaged in some of the traditional sports like ‘bati’ (kanchaa/marbles game), ‘bhoura’ (spin-top game), ‘pitthul’ (lagori/seven stones game) and also blew the whistle for a women’s kabbadi match.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Baghel said, “Chhattisgarh is known for its rich and unique culture and tradition. Traditional games hold a special place in the state's culture. However, as a modern civilization grows, people are gradually forgetting their old culture and traditions. Keeping this in view, 'Chhattisgarhiya Olympics' games have been started to bring back the era of traditional games and create an environment to make these games flourish. Besides, it also aims to make the younger generation aware of our culture and tradition.”
Pointing out the benefits of playing traditional games, Baghel said, "these games are not only entertaining but also beneficial for maintaining good physical and mental health. In rural areas, children, the elderly, and youth all engage in these games for entertainment and to keep themselves fit”. He also released a brochure giving information about the games.
The event will continue till January 6 next year in six-stages—Rajiv Mitaan Clubs level, zonal level, district level, development block level and finally the state level competitions between December 28 and January 6. The competitions would be held in three age group categories—below 18 years, 18 to 40 years, and above 40 years, a government release said.
Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel plays traditional 'bati' (marbles game) after inaugurating maiden 'Chhattisgarhiya Olympics' in Raipur on Thursday
In all, 14 types of traditional sports have been included in the team and individual categories. The team events include gilli-danda, sankhli, langdi, kho-kho, rassakashi, apart from the above mentioned sports. The individual events will include billas, phugdi, gedi-daud, bhoura, 100-metres race and long jump events.
Addressing the inaugural event, Sports Minister Umesh Patel said that the progressive thinking of the chief minister has helped to promote the state's unique culture to a great extent. For the first time, such a grand event has been organized to promote the traditional games of Chhattisgarh. The government is making every possible effort to promote local dialect, food, folk art, culture, and sports and to get it recognized outside Chhattisgarh as well.
Ministers Ravindra Choubey, Tamradhwaj Sahu, Mohammad Akbar, Shiv Kumar Dahariya, parliamentary secretary Vikas Upadhyay, Raipur mayor Aijaz Dhebar and other leaders were present on the occasion.
