Bastar Olympics Draws Over Six Lakh Registrations as Women Outnumber Men

Women players compete in a kabaddi match as spectators watch from the sidelines. Women account for the majority of registrations for the third Bastar Olympics. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

The third edition brings together athletes from all seven districts of Bastar division. Kanker leads registrations, and the divisional competitions are scheduled for 7–11 December.

Key Highlights

• The Sports and Youth Welfare Department reported 6,00,492 registrations, with women making up the majority.
• Block-level competitions were scheduled for 4–6 November, district events for 16–25 November and divisional events for 7–11 December.
• Each district will send 410 qualifying athletes to the divisional stage. Hockey and weightlifting will begin at district level.
• Special provisions allow athletes with disabilities caused by Naxal violence and surrendered Naxalites to participate directly at the divisional stage.

Raipur: More than six lakh athletes from all seven districts of Bastar division have registered for the third edition of the Bastar Olympics, the Chhattisgarh Sports and Youth Welfare Department said on Friday, 6 November 2026. Women outnumber men among those who signed up for the 11-sport competition, which begins at block level and progresses through district and divisional rounds.

Deputy Chief Minister and Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Arun Sao praised the response from Bastar residents. He said the previous two editions had gained national recognition and that the event was being held for a third consecutive year to identify local sporting talent and help young athletes develop their skills. Sao also said the competition was intended to bring more young people into organised sport and strengthen contact between residents and the administration.

Kanker Leads Registrations Across Seven Districts

The Bastar Olympics logo features the event’s mascot.Image:primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

Registration ran from 1 to 30 October. Kanker recorded 1,23,216 entries, the highest in the division, followed by Bastar district with 1,04,841.

• Kondagaon — 85,584
• Sukma — 80,313
• Dantewada — 80,175
• Narayanpur — 63,506
• Bijapur — 62,857

Block Winners Advance to District Competitions

Kabaddi players face off on an outdoor court as spectators gather along the boundary. Kabaddi is one of 11 sports at the third Bastar Olympics. Photo:primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

Winners at block level will progress to the district rounds, and district winners will qualify for the divisional competitions. Hockey and weightlifting will be held directly at district level. Each of the seven districts will be represented by 410 qualifying athletes at the divisional stage.

The junior category is open to boys and girls aged 14–17. Women and men can compete in the senior category without an upper age limit. The 11 sports are athletics, archery, badminton, football, hockey, weightlifting, karate, kabaddi, kho-kho, volleyball and tug of war.

Athletes who acquired disabilities as a result of Naxal violence and surrendered Naxalites can participate directly in the divisional events. The department has appealed to residents, parents and sports enthusiasts to attend the competitions and cheer on the athletes.