The Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government hosts the state’s first Chhattisgarhia Olympics to promote traditional Indian sports among its people. It’s not all sportsmanship though. The event is also in the form of a political outreach a year ahead of the assembly elections
Women playing Kabaddi during Chhattisgarhia Olympics in Nagari block of Dhamtari district
a The commentary runs over the loudspeakers to cheer the crowd – raucous, loud and spirited – as the two sides square off against each other, one ready to raid and the other to defend. When a player from the raiding team crosses the center line, which is badly drawn on the ground, the cheering only grows louder. The Charger rushed towards his four opponents, chanting ‘kabaddi kabaddi’ non-stop. The defenders are at the ready, swiftly evading each attempt by the raider to tag them. Finally, one leaps forward and grabs the raider tightly by the waist. Grabs the other leg. The remaining two block their way back to safety. game is over. Smiling and laughing, the members of the two teams—clad in red, blue, green and other colorful cotton sarees—greeted each other as a bunch of children, who had been following the proceedings keenly, hugged their mothers. Were attacking the turf to plant.