Raipur

The Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 are set to begin on March 25, with events scheduled across three key cities—Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Surguja—showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh’s tribal regions.

The Games, which will run until April 3, are expected to bring together over 2,300 athletes and around 3,700 participants. Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia подчеркнул (emphasised) the importance of the initiative, saying it plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing raw talent from tribal communities.

Speaking about the significance of the event, Bhutia highlighted that tribal communities naturally possess strong sporting abilities, pointing to the success of athletes from the North-East. He noted that such platforms not only encourage participation but also open up career opportunities for young sportspersons. With a substantial tribal population, Chhattisgarh provides an ideal setting for such a national-level competition.

Home to over 32 per cent tribal population, the state has a deep-rooted tradition of sports shaped by its culture and community life. From the plains of Raipur to the tribal belt of Bastar and the highlands of Ambikapur, sports have long been an integral part of daily life.

The Games will feature nine disciplines, divided into competitive and demonstration categories. Competitive events include archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, wrestling, mallakhamb, and kabaddi, to be held at various venues across the state.

Hockey matches will take place at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium and the football ground at Pt Ravishankar Shukla University in Raipur. Swimming competitions are scheduled at the International Swimming Pool, while weightlifting events will be conducted at the university grounds. Athletics will be held in Jagdalpur, and wrestling and mallakhamb events will take place in Surguja. Kabaddi matches will be hosted at the Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur.

Mallakhamb and kabaddi will also be featured as demonstration sports, highlighting India’s indigenous sporting traditions and bringing them into the national spotlight.

The official mascot of the Games, ‘Morveer’, reflects the spirit of the region. The name combines ‘Mor’, meaning ‘our’ in Chhattisgarhi, and ‘Veer’, symbolising courage—together representing pride and identity of tribal communities.

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For many tribal athletes, the event offers a rare opportunity to compete on a national stage. It aims to bridge the gap in access to professional sporting platforms and provide pathways for recognition and advancement, ensuring that talent is recognised regardless of background or geography.