Sports grounds across the Surguja division in Chhattisgarh are witnessing renewed enthusiasm following the commencement of the Surguja Olympics 2026-27. Featuring competitions across 12 distinct sporting disciplines, the event provides participating athletes with structured facilities and logistical support directly within their local surroundings. For many young girls who previously faced hesitation or lacked avenues to step out of their homes, the multi-sport meet has become a vital platform to showcase raw talent and make an impression. The participants harbor ambitious goals, with aspirations spanning from winning an international gold medal for India to entering the coaching profession or qualifying as Physical Training Instructors.
Events Structured Across Senior and Junior Categories
To ensure balanced competition and systematic management, the tournament divides participants into two major divisions: senior and junior. Both boys and girls compete within these age-appropriate brackets, ensuring equitable contests where talent can be evaluated accurately. For young girls hailing from remote villages, having access to such a dedicated sports framework has transformed how they perceive athletic careers, offering a clear path to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
Volleyball Player Aarti Bakhla Targets International Gold
Among the standout participants is Aarti Bakhla, who has remained committed to sports for the past two to three years. While she has engaged in various track and field disciplines, including the discus throw in earlier meets, she is currently establishing herself primarily as a dedicated volleyball player. Aarti shared that she previously traveled to locations such as Ambikapur and Bishrampur for competitive matches, but the Surguja Olympics now offers high-quality playing facilities and practice opportunities right in her home division.
Currently studying in class 11, Aarti successfully manages her athletic routine alongside regular academic commitments. Her sporting vision extends far beyond local tournaments, as she aims to represent India and secure a gold medal on the national and global stage. Aarti credits much of her athletic journey to family backing, noting that her parents never placed obstacles in her path and supported her travel when she qualified for state-level competitions. She also acknowledges the mentorship of an accomplished local player named Jitendra, whose personal skill and encouragement served as a key inspiration for her and fellow village youngsters.
Roshni Lakra Explores Coaching Career Through Relay Racing
Hailing from Rangwapara, Roshni Lakra is making her mark on the track through the relay race. Describing the mechanics of the event, Roshni noted that a relay team consists of four runners who take turns sprinting across designated legs while passing a baton forward. She developed her understanding of the sport by watching peers and schoolteachers train. Looking ahead, Roshni intends to complete her education and transition into coaching, aiming to train future batches of grassroots runners.
Prensi Kujur Sets Sights on Long Jump and Physical Education Role
For class 12 student Prensi Kujur, athletics offers multiple avenues, yet the long jump remains her primary passion. Prensi hopes to excel in this specific track-and-field discipline, seeking to bring pride to both her family and the country. She emphasized that rural girls rarely had access to organized competitions of this scale in previous years, but the Surguja Olympics has created an accessible platform for advancement. Her career aspiration is to qualify as a Physical Training Instructor (PTI), allowing her to teach physical education and nurture grassroots talent in academic institutions.
Access to Ground Facilities and Strong Peer Support
Competitors at the event highlighted that village and small-town athletes historically struggled to secure access to standard sports venues and training infrastructure. The regional games have bridged that gap by offering designated grounds closer to home. Beyond intense rivalry, the venue displays strong camaraderie, with participating players offering mutual encouragement. Teammates and local spectators gathered on the sidelines routinely cheer for participants, demonstrating how targeted regional sports initiatives can bring untapped rural talent into the sporting mainstream.
