Mega sporting event to showcase tribal talent across the country; around 2,500 athletes from 30 states expected to participate
TFP Bureau, Raipur, March 6,2026: The state government of Chhattisgarh will host the first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 from March 25 to April 6, aiming to provide a national platform for sports talent emerging from tribal regions. The competitions will be organised across three major locations—Raipur, Surguja and Bastar—with participation expected from nearly 2,500 athletes and officials representing about 30 states.
The preparations for the prestigious national event were reviewed on Friday by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai during a meeting of the state’s Sports and Youth Welfare Department held at Mahanadi Bhawan in Raipur. Senior officials briefed the Chief Minister about infrastructure readiness, event management and logistical arrangements.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that youth are the foundation of the country’s future and that the state government is committed to empowering them through opportunities in education, employment, skill development and sports. He emphasised that the Khelo India Tribal Games will provide an important platform for athletes from forest and tribal regions to showcase their abilities and gain recognition at the national level.
“The event will give a new impetus to the youth power of the country and particularly to the talented players from tribal areas,” Sai said, adding that the initiative would help bring hidden sporting talent into the mainstream.
Sports Infrastructure and Preparations Reviewed
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also reviewed several ongoing initiatives related to sports promotion in the state. These included the Chhattisgarh Sports Promotion Scheme, development of sports infrastructure, implementation of central schemes under the Khelo India programme, the functioning of sports academies and preparations for youth festivals.
Sai directed officials to ensure that all approved sports infrastructure projects—particularly those of large scale and international standards—are completed within the stipulated timelines. He stressed that quality construction and timely execution must remain top priorities.
Multiple Sports Events Across Three Regions
According to officials, the Government of India has granted Chhattisgarh the hosting rights for the first edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games. A total of seven competitive sports and two demonstration events will be organised during the tournament.
- Raipur will host archery, football, hockey, weightlifting, swimming and kabaddi (demonstration).
- Surguja will organise wrestling and mallakhamb (demonstration).
- Bastar will stage athletics competitions.
The multi-venue format aims to promote sports infrastructure and encourage participation across different regions of the state.
Incentives for Athletes
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to encouraging sports talent, the Chief Minister announced that athletes performing well in Khelo India competitions would receive incentives from the state government.
He also announced a special incentive of ₹1 lakh for Mallakhamb players and stated that the state government will bear the entire travel expenses of Mallakhamb player Antai Potai, who has been selected to participate in the international talent show America’s Got Talent in the United States.
Growing Sports Culture in Tribal Areas
Sai highlighted that the participation of more than 1.65 lakh youth in the Bastar Olympics reflects the growing enthusiasm for sports in the region. He said this participation demonstrates that areas once affected by Naxalism are now steadily moving towards peace, development and positive social change.
“There is immense sporting potential in tribal areas. The government is continuously working to identify and nurture this talent so that players from these regions can excel at national and international levels,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao also said during the meeting that organising Olympic-level sports events in Bastar and Surguja would strengthen the state’s identity in the national sports landscape.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Vikash Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary Rahul Bhagat, Public Works Department Secretary Dr. Kamalpreet Singh, Sports and Youth Welfare Secretary Yashwant Kumar, Sports Director Tanuja Salam and other senior officials.
