RAIPUR (Chhattisgarh, India): Indian Minister of State for Youth Welfare and Sports Raksha Khadse has expressed hope that the talent that was on display at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 would go on to shine at major international events like the Olympics.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ongoing games, Khadse expressed confidence that many participants from the current edition of KITG will go on to represent India at international events such as the Olympics, the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games.
Khadse said that the games served not only as a competition platform but also played a vital role in identifying talent from remote areas. Athletes who showed exceptional promise would receive structured training at institutions managed by the central government, she said. “This initiative is aimed at the holistic development of youth through sports. We are scouting new talent and will ensure proper nurturing and promotion of deserving players,” she also said.
The initiative specifically aims to involve young people from tribal communities and increase sports participation, Khadse said. “Khelo India Tribal Games seeks to actively involve youth in sports. We are focusing on encouraging greater participation, especially among tribal youngsters,” she said.
Describing the atmosphere at the games as one of “energy, hope and transformation,” Khadse commended the efforts of the organizers for successfully hosting the event. She noted that the participation of over 2,500 athletes from across states and Union Territories reflected the growing reach of sports among tribal youth.
KITG is being organized under the Khelo India Scheme, a flagship program of the Indian Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports aimed at promoting grassroots sports, identifying talent early, and enhancing India’s competitive sporting culture. The event is being jointly hosted by India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Indian Olympic Association, and the national sports federations of various disciplines.
The Games feature seven medal sports – athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming and wrestling. A total of 106 gold medals are to be awarded.
The mascot for the event is ‘Morveer’, a name deeply rooted in Chhattisgarh’s cultural ethos. Derived from two powerful words, ‘Mor’, meaning mine or our own in Chhattisgarhi, and ‘Veer’, symbolizing courage and valor, the mascot represents the spirit, pride and identity of India’s tribal communities.
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