PM Modi Commends Sports Initiative as Football Player Reacts to 'Bastar Olympics' Mention in 'Mann Ki Baat'

Sukma (Chhattisgarh), Dec 29 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the 'Bastar Olympics' during the 117th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday. Baki Mandal, a football player who participated in the 'Bastar Olympics', shared his excitement about this acknowledgment.

Baki Mandal expressed, "We are thrilled to hear that PM Modi spoke positively about our 'Bastar Olympics'. Coming from a small village, the opportunity to participate in an event like the Bastar Olympics is a significant achievement. We hope to have such opportunities every year."

The young athlete remarked, "It feels great that PM Modi frequently acknowledges our marginalized community. His discussions about the Naxalite area of Bastar resonate with us. Additionally, PM Modi’s support for athletes is evident as he invited the T-20 World Cup-winning team (India) to his residence for a conversation. His enthusiasm for sports inspires many young people to engage in athletics."

During the 117th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi referred to the inaugural Bastar Olympics as a transformative event in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, an area historically affected by Maoist violence.

"A new wave of change is emerging in Bastar with the Bastar Olympics. It brings me immense joy that this vision has materialized. The mascots of the Bastar Olympics, the 'Wild Water Buffalo' and 'Hill Myna', symbolize the rich cultural heritage of Bastar. The slogan for this sports festival is 'Karsay Ta Bastar Barsaye Ta Bastar' (Bastar will compete, Bastar will triumph)," he stated.

The Prime Minister emphasized that approximately 1.65 lakh athletes from seven districts participated in the Bastar Olympics, describing it as a proud narrative of our youth's determination.

He noted the diverse sports included, such as athletics, archery, badminton, football, hockey, weightlifting, karate, kabaddi, kho-kho, and volleyball, where young athletes displayed remarkable talent.

PM Modi also shared inspiring accounts from the Bastar Olympics, highlighting participants like Kari Kashyap, a silver medalist in archery; Payal Kawasi, who earned a gold medal in javelin throw; Punem Sanna, a wheelchair racer from Dornapal in Sukma, who transitioned from Naxal influence to winning medals; and Ranju Sori, an archer from Kodagaon, who has been recognized as the 'Bastar Youth Icon'.

"The Bastar Olympics transcends a mere sports event. It serves as a platform where development aligns with athletics, enabling our youth to cultivate their skills and contribute to a new Bharat. I encourage everyone to support such sporting events in your locality, share narratives of local athletic talent using 'Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat', and provide young athletes with opportunities for advancement," he concluded.