3.5 Lakh Players Register Across 12 Sporting Disciplines for Surguja Olympics

• Chief Minister Unveils Logo and Mascot ‘Gajru’ of Surguja Olympics

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday unveiled the logo and mascot ‘Gajru’ of the Surguja Olympics, to be organised on the lines of the Bastar Olympics, at a dignified ceremony held at Mahanadi Bhavan, Mantralaya. Extending his greetings to the people of the Surguja region, Chief Minister said that, like Bastar, Surguja’s sporting talent would now receive a strong and structured platform to showcase its potential.

Expressing satisfaction over the registration of nearly 3.5 lakh players across 12 sporting disciplines, Chief Minister said the overwhelming response reflects the enthusiasm, energy, and commitment of the region’s youth towards sports. He noted that the Bastar Olympics earned national recognition due to extensive public participation, and expressed confidence that the same spirit would take the Surguja Olympics to similar heights. The scale of registrations, he said, clearly indicates that the region is fully prepared for the event. Chief Minister also reviewed the preparations and conveyed advance best wishes for the successful conduct of the Games.

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Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare Shri Arun Sao said the Surguja Olympics would provide local players with a valuable opportunity to demonstrate their talent and skills. He said that winners would be given direct entry into State training academies and recognised as Youth Icons, with the objective of inspiring children and young people to take up sports.

Logo and Mascot Reflect Surguja’s Identity

The logo of Surguja Olympics 2026 symbolizes the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and sporting spirit. At its centre is the iconic Tiger Point waterfall at Mainpat, representing greenery, continuity, and energy. The inscription “Surguja Olympics 2026” highlights regional pride and identity, while surrounding icons of 12 sports convey inclusiveness and equal opportunity for all participants.

The colour palette reflects vibrancy, enthusiasm, and unity. The prominent use of red holds particular cultural significance, especially among the Pahadi Korwa tribe, where it symbolises strength, courage, and life energy, and reflects the deep bond between divine power and human life.

The mascot ‘Gajru’, depicted as an elephant, represents Surguja’s natural and cultural ethos. In tribal tradition, the elephant symbolises strength, patience, wisdom, and unity. Its attributes of discipline, balance, and sustained effort closely align with sporting values, while its herd instinct represents teamwork and collective participation.

Competitions at Block, District and Divisional Levels

Registrations for the Surguja Olympics were conducted from December 28, 2025, to January 25, 2026, attracting around 3.5 lakh participants from six districts. Of these, 1.59 lakh men and 1.89 lakh women registered. Competitions will be held at the block, district, and divisional levels across 12 sporting disciplines, including kabaddi, kho-kho, archery, football, volleyball, hockey, wrestling, and tug of war.

The ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary Shri Rahul Bhagat, Sports Secretary Shri Yashwant Kumar, Sports Director Smt. Tanuja Salam, and other senior officials.

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