Khelo India Tribal Games between March 25-April 6; ‘Part of expanding opportunity and scope,’ says sports minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya

**Executive Summary** The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) will be held in Chhattisgarh from March 25 to April 6. These games aim to expand opportunities for young athletes from tribal communities and are part of the national Khelo India Scheme. The event will feature seven medal sports and two demonstration sports, with representation from across India. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Event Details** * The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) will take place between March 25 and April 6. * The games will be held in three cities in Chhattisgarh: Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Sarguja. * The event is intended to expand opportunities and scope for young people in sports. * **Sports Featured** * Seven medal sports will be contested: athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming, and wrestling. * Two demonstration sports will also be held: mallakhamb and kabaddi. * **Management and Standards** * The KITG 2026 will be jointly managed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations, and the Chhattisgarh state organising committee. * Technical standards will be benchmarked against international competitions. * **Mascot and Theme** * The official mascot is ‘Morveer,’ derived from ‘Mor’ (mine/our own in Chhattisgarhi) and ‘Veer’ (courage/valour), representing the spirit and identity of India's tribal communities. * The logo, theme song, and mascot were unveiled on December 23. * **Strategic Alignment** * The games are part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2024, emphasizing the role of sports. * They are part of the Khelo India Scheme, a flagship Central Sector Scheme focused on promoting mass participation and sporting excellence. * Khelo India Games have been declared an ‘Event of National Importance’ in 2020. * **Host State Recognition** * Chhattisgarh is the first state to host this national event dedicated to tribal athletes, marking a milestone for tribal empowerment and grassroots inclusion. **Impact Analysis** **Tribal Athletes** * **Impact:** Will have a dedicated national platform to showcase their talent, receive systematic support, and be integrated into the national sports framework. This event aims to strengthen the talent base emerging from tribal areas. * **Action Required:** Participate in the games and leverage the opportunities provided for talent identification and development. **Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and Sports Authority of India (SAI)** * **Impact:** Will be involved in the joint management of the event, aiming to promote mass participation and sporting excellence, and fulfill objectives aligned with national visions like Viksit Bharat. * **Action Required:** Jointly manage the games, ensuring technical standards are met and talented youngsters are identified and supported. **Chhattisgarh State Organising Committee** * **Impact:** Will co-manage the event, hosting it and playing a key role in its successful execution, thereby contributing to tribal empowerment and grassroots inclusion within the state. * **Action Required:** Collaborate in the joint management of the games and facilitate the organization and execution within Chhattisgarh. **Indian Olympic Association and National Sports Federations** * **Impact:** Will contribute to the management and technical oversight of the games, ensuring adherence to national and international sporting standards. * **Action Required:** Participate in the joint management and provide technical expertise and support. **Young People in India** * **Impact:** Will be inspired by the event, potentially increasing their interest in sports and participation, especially those from tribal communities. * **Action Required:** Observe and draw inspiration from the games, potentially engaging in sports activities.

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