Raipur.  Renowned boxer M.C. Mary Kom, six-time boxing world champion and Olympic medalist, paid a courtesy call on Deputy Chief Minister and Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Run Saw. During the meeting at his official residence in Nava Raipur, Saw briefed him on the work being done to develop sports in the state and nurture athletic talent. International boxer Mary Kom had come to Chhattisgarh to attend the inaugural ceremony of the division-level competitions for the Bastar Olympics 2025 held in Jagdalpur on December 11th and encouraged the athletes.
Deputy Chief Minister Saw praised Mary Kom's long sporting journey, in which she brought glory to India at international forums like the World Championships and the Olympics through her talent, hard work, and determination despite hardships and difficulties. Saw said that Mary Kom is the pride and inspiration of the country. Her presence must have inspired the athletes of Bastar to move forward and work hard. He thanked Mary Kom for coming to Chhattisgarh to participate in the Bastar Olympics.

Sharing her experiences from international and national competitions, Mary Kom requested Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Saw for all possible support to improve the sports of Chhattisgarh's youth. Praising the Bastar Olympics, she said that seeing the youth from remote villages brought back old memories. The Bastar Olympics is a good platform for the youth there to showcase their talent. Praising the arrangements for the event, she said that the Chhattisgarh government is doing good work to promote sports and athletes. In the future, athletes from here will definitely win medals at the international level as well. She expressed her gratitude to the state government for inviting her to participate in the Bastar Olympics.