03 October,2022 05:34 PM IST | Mumbai | BrandMedia
Raipur 26 September 2022/ Chhattisgarh Government has undertaken a special initiative to revive one of the most delightful parts of our age-old tradition--traditional games--in a grand way by organizing the 'Chhattisgarhiya Olympics'. Once upon a time, when children's mind was not corrupted by mobile and video games, they used to invent their own games using all that was easily available to them at home and surroundings. These games were not only entertaining but also kept children physically fit. However, now these indigenous games have been replaced by modern ones mainly mobile games, video games, and play station ones. Keeping this in view, the state government felt the need to revive these traditional games which were once popular among the locals.
Chhattisgarh Government led by Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel has taken meaningful measures to promote the folk art, culture, tradition, and ethnic food of the state. Now taking a step ahead, the government has embarked on the journey to promote the traditional games of Chhattisgarh by organizing a grand multi-sport event--'Chhattisgarhiya Olympics'. The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting held this year on September 6. The responsibility of organizing the 'Chhattisgarhiya Olympics' to be held at six levels has been entrusted to the Panchayat and Rural Development and Urban Administration and Development Department. The event will commence on October 6 this year and will conclude on January 6 next year at the state level.
'14 types of traditional games, Two categories'
The traditional sports competition of Chhattisgarh will be held in Group and Singles categories. 14 types of traditional sports have been included in Chhattisgarh Olympics 2022-23. The games falling under the group category include Gilli Danda, Pitthul, Sankhali, Langdi race, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, and Kancha games. Similarly, games under the Singles category include Billas, Fugdi, Gedi race, Bhaura (Indian spinning top), 100-meters race, and long jump.
'Events will be held at six levels from village club level to state level'
Sports competitions under the 'Chhattisgarhiya Olympics' will be organized at six levels. The first is the village level that will be of 'Rajiv Yuva Mitan Club'. The second is the zonal level in which there will be a club comprising 8 Rajiv Yuva Mitan clubs. Similarly, then at the development block / urban cluster level, district level, divisional level, and lastly at the state level. Besides, there are three age group categories including the first category for participants till the age of 18 years, the second for the participants under 18-40 years of age group and lastly for participants above 40 years of age
These traditional games of Chhattisgarh are not only based on the seasons but on folk music and songs as well, which makes them quite interesting and entertaining. These are not only beneficial for the physical but also the intellectual development of growing children. Village children are deeply indulged in these games that they forget all of their worries and just enjoy the moment. However, these games are vanishing from the lives of children today as the games of children are now just confined to mobile and video games. With the organization of the 'Chhattisgarhiya Olympics', the state government aims to bring back the era of traditional games, bringing children back to playgrounds, and create an environment to make these games flourish.
