Khelo India Tribal Games emerge as historic platform for tribal talent: Chhattisgarh CM

The first edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 concluded in Raipur with celebrations of athletic excellence, cultural pride, and a renewed focus on empowering tribal youth through sports.

Addressing the closing ceremony at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium , Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the Games as a historic platform for tribal talent , calling it a grand coming together of unity, culture, and sporting spirit.

The event, which began on March 25 , witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 2,000 tribal athletes and officials representing 30 states and Union Territories . Over ten days, the Games attracted nationwide attention, highlighting the immense potential of athletes from tribal communities.

Sai announced that the Khelo India Tribal Games will now be held annually in Chhattisgarh , describing it as a moment of pride for the state. He credited the initiative to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and thanked Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for supporting the inaugural edition.

Highlighting the traditional bond between tribal communities and sports, the Chief Minister said activities such as archery, running, and wrestling have long been part of tribal life and culture. With the right opportunities and encouragement, he noted, tribal athletes can achieve recognition at both national and international levels .

In the overall medal tally, Karnataka finished at the top , followed by Odisha and Jharkhand . Host state Chhattisgarh won 19 medals , including three gold, 10 silver, and six bronze .

Several athletes from the state delivered notable performances. Anushka Bhagat won four silver medals in swimming , while Siddharth Nagesh secured gold and silver medals in athletics . Nikita clinched gold in weightlifting , and the girls’ football team won gold , while the boys’ hockey team earned a bronze medal .

To encourage athletes, the state government also announced cash rewards for medal winners . Individual gold medallists will receive ₹2 lakh , silver ₹1.5 lakh , and bronze ₹1 lakh . For team events, gold winners will receive ₹1 lakh , silver ₹75,000 , and bronze ₹50,000 .

The closing ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao , boxing legend MC Mary Kom , and former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia , adding to the celebratory spirit of the occasion.

As the curtains came down on the inaugural edition, the Khelo India Tribal Games not only showcased remarkable sporting performances but also signalled a new chapter in recognising and nurturing tribal talent across India.