Bastar, Dec 13 (NationPress) The three-day Bastar Olympics are poised to wrap up on Saturday, showcasing remarkable involvement from athletes across the seven districts of the area, which was once dominated by Maoist activities.

Approximately 3,500 athletes from the districts of Bijapur, Dantewada, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Sukma, and Jagdalpur, along with participants from the 'Nua Baat' category, have engaged in this divisional-level event.

The 'Nua Baat' category refers to former Maoists who have renounced violence and embraced a new way of life. In the local dialect of Bastar, 'Nua Baat' signifies a new journey, symbolizing a fresh start for those who have chosen peace.

As part of this initiative, the Chhattisgarh government offers a total of Rs 3 crore, Rs 2 crore, and Rs 1 crore to athletes who secure gold, silver, and bronze medals, respectively.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to arrive in Jagdalpur later today to participate in the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics. During his visit, he will likely evaluate the current security situation and review the ongoing anti-Maoist efforts in the region.

Many participants, predominantly former Maoists, have expressed their joy in reintegrating into society and participating in this event.

They shared how the Olympics have made them feel included and accepted within the larger community.

Suklal, a former Maoist who played volleyball, described the chance to partake in such a sporting event as a deeply moving experience.

"The government is offering all necessary support for our reintegration into society. After spending 20 years in the Maoist organization, I used to wield a gun and roam the forests. Now, I hold a hockey stick and a badminton racket. The happiness on the faces of all the former Naxalites taking part in this event is unmistakable. This is our first experience, and we are overjoyed," Suklal remarked to IANS.

Ganga Vatti, who surrendered in July 2020 and participated in the parade competition, also shared his thoughts.

"This is my first experience of such an event, and I'm thrilled to be here. HM Shah's visit adds to the significance. I'm here with my wife, who was also a Maoist and surrendered alongside me. She is participating in tug-of-war," he said.

In addition to former Maoists, participants with disabilities affected by Maoist violence also competed, transforming the event into a celebration of unity and social change.

This participation underscored themes of harmony, social inclusion, and transformative progress in Bastar.

Kishan, who suffered injuries from a Maoist attack in Bijapur, expressed hope that Bastar would soon be free from Maoism.

"Today, with HM Shah's visit, we are optimistic that the government’s firm actions will lead to a Maoist-free Bastar," he shared with IANS.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described Amit Shah's attendance at the closing ceremony as historic and emblematic of the transformation in Bastar.

He noted that Bastar, once synonymous with conflict and struggle, has now emerged as a beacon of enthusiasm, assurance, and cultural pride through the Bastar Olympics.

The Bastar Olympics is an annual initiative organized by the Chhattisgarh Sports and Youth Welfare Department, aiming to provide an inclusive platform for young individuals, including victims of Maoist violence, to showcase their athletic abilities and contribute to constructive social change.