Dantewada Youth Excel in Thai Kickboxing Amid Naxalism Decline, Supported by CM Vishnu Deo Sai and Foundations

The Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh, once severely affected by Naxalism, has seen notable progress in sports, particularly Thai kickboxing, with youth winning medals at national and international levels. This development has been supported by the state government, which provides funding, equipment, and facilities, including an Indoor Stadium. The district administration, in collaboration with the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation and Mann Deshi Foundation, is actively promoting sports. Thai kickboxing classes have been operational for about five years, enabling athletes like Anand Thakur and Neeku Thakur to compete in multiple national, South Asian, and Asian championships. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that Naxalism is nearing its end due to sustained efforts by security forces over the past one and a half years and the support of the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The region's counterinsurgency strategy has been revamped and strengthened with a strong central government push, contributing to the decline of Maoist activities after earlier setbacks such as the Salwa Judum experiment in the late 2000s.