Khelo India Tribal Games to Be Held in Chhattisgarh from March 26 to April 6: Mandaviya

New Delhi- Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday announced that the first edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games will be organised from March 26 to April 6 across three cities in Chhattisgarh — Raipur, Jagdalpur and Surguja.

The Games will include seven medal disciplines: athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming and wrestling. Two additional sports — mallakhamb and kabaddi — will be featured as demonstration events. Athletes from most states and Union Territories across India are expected to participate.

Mandaviya said the event reflects the government’s commitment to expanding sporting opportunities for young people across the country. He noted that the initiative aligns with the vision of Narendra Modi to build a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, with sports playing a crucial role in that journey.

The logo, theme song and mascot of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games were unveiled earlier on December 23 at Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium in Bilaspur. The ceremony was attended by Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, and Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Mandaviya said the Games would help identify and nurture sporting talent from tribal regions. He added that the government aims to systematically support talented tribal youth and integrate them into India’s national sports ecosystem.

The 2026 edition of the Games will be jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India, Indian Olympic Association, various National Sports Federations and the Chhattisgarh state organising committee. The competitions will follow technical standards comparable to international events.

The official mascot, ‘Morveer’, reflects Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage. The name combines the Chhattisgarhi word “Mor,” meaning “mine” or “our,” and “Veer,” symbolising bravery and courage, representing the pride and spirit of India’s tribal communities.

Chhattisgarh becoming the first state to host this national-level event dedicated exclusively to tribal athletes marks a significant step in promoting grassroots sports and empowering tribal communities.

The Khelo India Tribal Games are part of the Khelo India Scheme, a flagship initiative of the Government of India designed to encourage mass participation in sports and develop sporting excellence nationwide. The Khelo India Games were declared an Event of National Importance in 2020 under the Sports Broadcasting framework.

With inputs from IANS