First Khelo India Tribal Games to Be Held in Chhattisgarh from March 25

Khelo India Tribal Games 2026: Promoting Tribal Sports Talent Across India

The inaugural edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games will take place from 25 March to 6 April 2026 in the state of Chhattisgarh . The multi-sport event will be organised across three host cities— Raipur , Jagdalpur , and Sarguja . The announcement was made by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya , who described the event as a major step toward expanding sports opportunities for tribal youth across the country.

Sports and Participation

The first edition of the Games will feature seven medal disciplines : athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming, and wrestling. In addition, Mallakhamb and Kabaddi will be included as demonstration sports. Participants from several States and Union Territories are expected to compete, providing tribal athletes with a national platform to demonstrate their abilities and gain recognition.

Part of the Khelo India Programme

The event is being organised under the Khelo India Scheme , a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening sports at the grassroots level. The Games will be jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports , the Sports Authority of India , the Indian Olympic Association , various National Sports Federations, and the Chhattisgarh state organising committee. Organisers have confirmed that the competitions will follow internationally recognised technical standards.

Encouraging Tribal Sports Talent

The initiative seeks to identify and develop sporting talent emerging from India’s tribal regions, which have historically produced many accomplished athletes. According to officials, the Games aim to integrate tribal youth into the national sporting ecosystem and strengthen India’s sports culture as part of long-term national development goals leading up to 2047 .

Exam-Focused Key Points

• Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG): First edition scheduled from 25 March to 6 April 2026 .

• Host State: Chhattisgarh ; venues include Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Sarguja .

• Medal Sports: Athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming, wrestling.

• Demonstration Sports: Mallakhamb and Kabaddi.

• Organisers: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India, Indian Olympic Association.

• Mascot: “Morveer,” symbolising bravery and tribal pride.