New Delhi, April 3 (NationPress) Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya expressed on Friday his alignment with President Droupadi Murmu's perspective that continuous backing for tribal athletes through programs like the Khelo India Tribal Games is vital for developing a talent pool that can elevate India to the status of a "global sports superpower".

Emphasizing the significance of the Khelo India Tribal Games, Mandaviya reiterated the President's assertion that fostering tribal talent is a crucial step towards India realizing its ambition of global sports supremacy.

On X, he shared an article authored by President Murmu, discussing the transformative impact of sports via #KheloIndiaTribalGames 2026. In the piece, she elaborates on how talent, training, and opportunities can empower tribal youth and influence India’s future in sports on a global scale.

"Hon'ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji (@rashtrapatibhvn) highlights the significant sporting potential of our tribal youth and how the Khelo India Tribal Games will offer them necessary facilities," he mentioned in his post.

He added, "She emphasizes that ongoing support for tribal athletes can cultivate a pool of players who will position India as a global sports superpower."

In her opinion piece for the Times of India, the President, who has a deep connection with these roots, pointed out the vital role of players from tribal communities in India’s first Olympic gold medal in hockey in 1928.

"India clinched its first Olympic gold medal in hockey in 1928, with tribal community players playing a significant role in that achievement. Over the years, star hockey talents such as Dilip Tirkey, Subodh Lakra, and Salima Tete have continued to enhance India’s men’s and women’s teams with their exceptional skills," she wrote.

She also shared that like many children in tribal areas, she had a strong passion for sports and physical activities.

"Similar to other tribal children in my village, I was very enthusiastic about physical activities, including swimming. I often secured first place in school sports competitions. In one such event, I intentionally held back so that a friend could enjoy the thrill of winning the top prize. Sports foster teamwork and strengthen social connections. It is often said that athletes who compete fiercely on the field share strong friendships off the field," the President noted.

She further praised the 'Khelo India' initiative for establishing suitable sports ecosystems across various geographical regions and social strata.

"Under the national sports development program ‘Khelo India’ initiated by the Government of India, there is a concerted effort to create suitable sports environments for all regions, social classes, and institutions from local to national levels.

Within this framework, a scheme named ‘Asmita’ is being executed to encourage female participation in sports, which is also nurturing the potential of our tribal daughters. The continued reinforcement of the momentum generated by ‘Khelo India Tribal Games 2026’ and persistent support for tribal athletes will generate a pool of players who will ensure India’s recognition as a global sports powerhouse.

She concluded by stating, "The sporting talent of our youth, especially from tribal communities, represents an invaluable social asset for our nation. I am confident that through effective harnessing of this priceless resource, our country will achieve numerous remarkable benchmarks of excellence in sports. With this belief, my message is: Khelo India! Khoob Khelo India!"