New Delhi, March 6 (NationPress) The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games are set to take place from March 26 to April 6 across three cities in Chhattisgarh—Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Sarguja, as announced by the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, on Friday.

These Games will include seven medal events: athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming, and wrestling, alongside two demonstration sports: mallakhamb and kabaddi. The Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) will witness participation from numerous states and Union Territories throughout India.

“The Khelo India Tribal Games represent our commitment to expanding opportunities for every youth aspiring to excel in sports. This initiative aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2024, emphasizing the pivotal role of sports in this journey,” remarked Dr. Mandaviya.

The logo, theme song, and mascot of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games were officially launched on December 23 at the Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium in Bilaspur, with the event attended by Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao.

Mandaviya highlighted that the Games aim to bolster the talent pool emerging from tribal areas. “Identifying and nurturing talent from tribal regions is crucial, and it is essential to continually expand our athlete base. We are dedicated to ensuring that gifted young individuals from tribal communities are recognized early, systematically supported, and integrated into the national sports framework,” he mentioned.

The KITG 2026 will be collaboratively organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations, and the Chhattisgarh state organizing committee, adhering to technical standards comparable to international competitions.

The official mascot, ‘Morveer’, embodies the rich cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh. The name combines 'Mor', which translates to mine or our own in Chhattisgarhi, and 'Veer', symbolizing bravery and valor—representing the spirit, pride, and identity of India’s tribal communities.

Chhattisgarh's role as the inaugural host for this significant national event, dedicated solely to tribal athletes, signifies a major milestone in India’s sporting narrative aimed at empowering tribes and promoting grassroots inclusion.

The Khelo India Tribal Games are an integral part of the Khelo India Scheme, a key initiative by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, designed to encourage mass participation in sports and foster sporting excellence. The Khelo India Games were declared an ‘Event of National Importance’ in 2020 under the Sports Broadcasting.