Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games to be Held in Chhattisgarh from March 25 to April 6

Category : Sports Published on: March 10 2026

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The inaugural edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) will be held from 25 March to 6 April in Chhattisgarh across three cities — Raipur, Jagdalpur and Sarguja. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the event as part of broader efforts to expand sports participation nationwide. The games aim to promote sporting talent among tribal communities across India and provide a national platform for tribal youth to showcase their abilities.
The first edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games will feature seven medal sports: athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming and wrestling. Mallakhamb and kabaddi will be included as demonstration sports. The games are organised under the Khelo India Scheme — a flagship Central Sector initiative — jointly by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Sports Authority of India, the Indian Olympic Association and the Chhattisgarh state organising committee.
The logo, theme song and official mascot of the games were unveiled at the Late B.R. Yadav Sports Stadium in Bilaspur. The mascot, named Morveer, reflects the cultural identity of Chhattisgarh's tribal communities — 'Mor' meaning 'mine' or 'our own' and 'Veer' symbolising bravery and courage. The initiative also supports the broader national vision of strengthening India's sporting culture as part of development goals leading up to 2047.