The first edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) will be held from March 25 to April 6, 2026, across three cities in Chhattisgarh — Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Sarguja.
The announcement was made by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya. The event aims to provide a national platform for tribal athletes from across India to showcase their talent.
Sports to Be Featured in the Games
The Khelo India Tribal Games will feature seven medal sports:
- Athletics
- Football
- Hockey
- Weightlifting
- Archery
- Swimming
- Wrestling
- In addition, two sports will be showcased as demonstration events:
- Mallakhamb
- Kabaddi
Athletes from most states and Union Territories of India are expected to participate in the inaugural edition.
Promoting Tribal Talent in Sports
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that the Games are part of the government’s effort to expand opportunities for young athletes.
The initiative aligns with the vision of Narendra Modi to build a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by strengthening sports participation across the country.
According to the minister, identifying and nurturing talent from tribal communities is crucial for expanding India’s sporting ecosystem and building a strong athlete base.
Logo, Theme Song and Mascot
The logo, theme song, and mascot of the Games were unveiled on December 23, 2025, at the Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium.
The launch ceremony was attended by:
- Vishnu Deo Sai
- Arun Sao
The official mascot of the Games is “Morveer.”
The name combines two words from the Chhattisgarhi language:
- “Mor” – meaning mine or our own
- “Veer” – meaning brave or courageous
The mascot symbolises the strength, pride, and identity of India’s tribal communities.
Organising Bodies of the Event
The Khelo India Tribal Games will be jointly organised by several national sports institutions, including:
- Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
- Sports Authority of India
- Indian Olympic Association
- National Sports Federations
- Chhattisgarh State Organising Committee
The competitions will follow international technical standards to ensure high-quality sporting performance.
Role of the Khelo India Scheme
The Khelo India Scheme is a flagship programme of the Government of India designed to promote mass participation in sports and identify emerging talent.
The Khelo India Games were declared an Event of National Importance in 2020 under the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, highlighting their importance in India’s sports development strategy.
The launch of the Khelo India Tribal Games marks a major step toward empowering tribal youth through sports. By providing a dedicated platform for athletes from tribal communities, the initiative aims to strengthen grassroots sports development and integrate emerging talent into the national sporting framework.
Hosting the first edition in Chhattisgarh also highlights the state’s growing role in promoting inclusive sports development across India.