Narayanpur: Coming out from the shadow of Maoist menace, the worst insurgency-hit Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh is now gaining popularity for hosting Abujhmad Peace Half Marathon.
With the constant efforts of Chhattisgarh Government and security forces, peace is returning to Narayanpur and development works are getting visible. Moreover, the sports activities are also being recognized.
Adding to the ongoing efforts in combating the Maoist issue, Narayanpur administration and the district police are jointly hosting Abujhmad Peace Half Marathon on March 2.
The upcoming event is not just a marathon, instead a symbol of the region’s progress and bright future. The marathon carries a message of peace, unity and development, aiming to redefine Abujhmad not through its past conflicts but as a land of sports and champions.
The youth in this tribal-dominated district possessed immense sporting talent, but they lack of opportunities due to Maoist menace. Chhattisgarh government and district administration have taken and still taking multiple initiatives to link this region into the mainstream and nurture the potential of local youth.
Recently, Abujhmad’s athletes delivered impressive performances in the Bastar Olympics. Taking this momentum forward, the half marathon is going to provide a new stage for young talents. Once known for violence and conflict, Abujhmad will now resonate with runners’ footsteps.
The route of 21 kilometers marathon, which will be of natural beauty, is going to start from Narayanpur High School Ground and culminate at Basing village in Orchha Block. Participants will run through dense forests and hilly roads, making the marathon not just a test of physical endurance but also an opportunity to experience nature’s challenges and beauty.
#WATCH | Chhattisgarh: Abujhmad peace half marathon 2025 to be held in naxal-hit Narayanpur district, on March 2nd. pic.twitter.com/VXmyybe47K
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2025
So far, over 8,000 runners have registered online, and the number is continuously increasing. The excitement for this event is palpable among local youth, security forces, and the general public.
On February 16, a wall painting competition was also held, where young artists expressed their imagination of peace and development through colours. Additionally, awareness rallies and promotional campaigns are also being conducted across the district. The administration and police have urged people to register their active participation in the event.
To ensure a successful and safe event, special security arrangements have been made, including barricading, traffic control, water supply, sanitation, and medical facilities. Special provisions have been arranged for the accommodation, food, and transportation of participants and guests.
“The marathon is scheduled for March 2, with an opening event the day before. We are working on making Abujhmad and Narayanpur known for its rich culture and nature beaity at national and international levels. This area has struggled with Naxalism, and we aim to change its perception through such initiatives,” stated Collector Pratishtha Mamgain.
‘This is the fourth edition of the Abujhmad Peace Half Marathon and to promote the event, we previously organized 5 km and 10 km runs in Narayanpur,” said Superintendent of Police (SP) Prabhat Kumar.
#WATCH | SP Prabhat Kumar says, ” In Narayanpur’s Abujhmad, Abujhmad peace half marathon is being organised on 2nd March…this is the 4th edition…cultural events will also be held where we will showcase rich culture and heritage of Abujhmad and Bastar…” pic.twitter.com/cgruJAkeFp
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2025
“Recently, we have conducted a promotional run in Kutul village, where we set up a new police camp. Once known as a Naxal stronghold, Narayanpur is now changing its identity through development and sports,” the SP added.
“Earlier, Narayanpur was known for Naxalism and violence, but awareness campaigns and sports events have started producing champions from here,” said local runner Suraj Sahu.
“Even Mallakhamb players from our region are brining laurals to Chhattisgarh,” he added.
Notably, the security forces in the last one year have carried out various successful operations in Abujhmad, a naturally fortified stronghold of Maoists adjoining the Maharashtra border.
The region is notorious for presence of senior Maoist cadres for long as lack of roads, culverts/bridges along dense forest cover was considered instrumental in providing safe shelter to the Maoists till the forces eventually succeeded in launching successful operations last year.
Significantly, persistent operations of security forces in recent months, resulting in significant damages to the banned outfit has believed to compel the top brass of the extremists to move towards down south in Bijapur park area. (With inputs from ANI)
