Kumar Bahukhandi
An Endeavor to Build a Prosperous and Developed Bastar: Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap
Raipur: The historic and naturally endowed land of Bastar witnessed a moment of immense pride as an unprecedented wave of enthusiasm swept through the ‘Bastar Heritage Marathon 2026,’ where over 9,800 registered runners participated, setting a new record.
This event emerged not merely as a sporting competition, but as a vibrant symbol of Bastar’s changing landscape, its growing peace, and the success of the administration’s rehabilitation policies—such as ‘Poona Margem.’
Speaking at the concluding ceremony—held near the Chitrakote Waterfalls following the marathon, which commenced at Lalbagh in Jagdalpur, Bastar—Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap congratulated the winners.
He stated that the organisation of the ‘Bastar Heritage Marathon 2026’ would prove to be a milestone in the ongoing efforts to build a prosperous and developed Bastar region.
Bastar is changing; a region that remained turbulent for four decades is now transforming into a bastion of peace.
The youth of this region are excelling not only in sports activities but also in the country’s prestigious competitive examinations.
Amidst this atmosphere of peace, the Bastar Marathon saw the participation of athletes from various states across the country and abroad, as well as from other districts within the state and the Bastar division itself. Congratulating the district administration on the successful execution of the event, he expressed hope for an even grander celebration in the future.
During the ceremony, MLA Kiran Singh Deo remarked that, following the organisation of the ‘Abujhmad Half Marathon’ in the region, the ‘Bastar Heritage Marathon’ marks a new chapter of peace, development, and prosperity in Bastar.
He noted that efforts to accelerate development across various sectors in Bastar will now be intensified, and the organisation of this marathon stands as a testament to that very endeavor. On this occasion, Bastar MP Mahesh Kashyap and Mr. Vinayak Goyal also addressed the gathering and congratulated the winners of the marathon.
The main highlight of the ‘Bastar Heritage Marathon 2026’ was the 42-kilometer full marathon, which commenced at Jagdalpur’s historic Lalbagh Ground and concluded at the banks of the world-renowned Chitrakote Waterfalls—often referred to as the ‘Niagara of India.’ With the objective of making the event inclusive, it was categorized into 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km races. The 21 km race extended up to Potanar, the 10 km race up to Kumhrawand, while the 5 km race was held from Lalbagh to Dalpat Sagar Ranighat, witnessing enthusiastic participation from individuals ranging from children to the elderly.
To encourage sporting talent, the administration announced an attractive prize pool of ₹25 lakh. Furthermore, to provide local runners with the opportunity to compete alongside international-level athletes, a special provision—the ‘Bastar Category’—was introduced, and registration was made completely free of cost for the residents of the Bastar district.
A noteworthy feature of this marathon was the enthusiastic participation of members from the Manjhi-Chalki community, which further reinforced the social inclusivity of the event. This grand occasion not only fostered the spirit of sportsmanship but also effectively showcased a new narrative of Bastar—characterised by its rich culture, peace, and development—on both national and international platforms.
Present on this occasion were District Panchayat President Vedvati Kashyap, Mayor Sanjay Pandey, Chairman of the Beverage Corporation Srinivas Rao Maddi, District Panchayat Vice-President Baldev Mandavi, along with other distinguished public representatives, members of the Manjhi-Chalki community, Commissioner Doman Singh, IG Sundarraj P., Collector Akash Chikara, the Superintendent of Police, the District Panchayat CEO, and other officials.
