Former Maoists swap guns for games as Bastar Olympics draws record participation
“This year I surrendered. Now every time I pull on this rope it feels like I’m pulling my life to the other side,” he said. TOI.
Kamla is among hundreds of former Maoists who have laid down their arms and are preparing to compete in the second edition of the Bastar Olympics, scheduled to be held this month. Podiyam Bhima, also known as Lokesh, who surrendered earlier this year, said the games motivated him to return to mainstream life. “When I surrendered, I thought I would also participate. The Bastar Olympics was one of the biggest joys for me,” he told the newspaper. He is currently training in archery.
Accordingly TOIMore than three lakh participants have registered at block, district and division levels in all seven Bastar districts (Bastar, Kanker, Kondagaon, Bijapur, Dantewada, Sukma and Narayanpur). More than 10,000 block-level winners have advanced to district events and 3,000-3,500 athletes will compete in the divisional and final rounds in Jagdalpur from December 11-13.
Union home minister Amit Shah, who attended the event last year, will be present on the final day on December 13. His visit will come soon after the home ministry set a target of ending Maoist extremism in India by March 31, 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently cited the Bastar Olympics as a symbol of change in the region. Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister Arun Sao said: TOI The participation of surrendered cadres has increased sharply – from around 300 last year to over 500 rehabilitated ex-Maoists this time, over 600 participants competing under the identity of Nuva Baat and several Naxal-influenced disabled players. Athletes compete in athletics, archery, football, hockey, kabaddi, kho-kho, badminton, volleyball, karate, weightlifting and tug of war.
With inputs from TOI
