Published: March 26, 2026 at 10:21 am
Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the Khelo India Tribal Games in Raipur on Wednesday at a glittering ceremony. The first edition of the Games began with swimming and football competitions. The Games, which will run until April 3, will feature a total of nine sports.
“Today will be remembered for a long time in Chhattisgarh and across India. The inauguration of the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 is not just the beginning of a sporting event, but the beginning of a movement, a movement that sends the message that talent knows no geographical boundaries, excellence knows no limits, and the heart of tribal India beats as strongly as any other part of the country,” said Sai while describing the opening ceremony as historic.
Sports and life are intertwined in Chhattisgarh: Sai
“Chhattisgarh has always been a state where sports and life are intertwined. From the plains of Raipur to the lush green fields of Bastar and the high altitudes of Ambikapur, our tribal communities possess natural and remarkable sporting talent, honed through tradition and struggle. Over 32 percent of our state’s population is tribal, and we have always known this fact—today, the nation is witnessing it too,” the CM added.
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“I welcome the more than 3,800 athletes from 30 states and union territories who have made Chhattisgarh their home for the next ten days. You have earned your place here through your hard work, selection process, and determination. This platform is yours. I also thank Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya and the Government of India for trusting Chhattisgarh to host this historic event,” the CM said.
Khelo India Tribal Games was inaugurated by Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya in Raipur on Wednesday. Pic: IANS
Mandaviya said that the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 is a historic beginning for Chhattisgarh and establishes the state as a permanent host. He explained that in the future, these games will be held annually in regions such as Bastar, Surguja, and Raipur.
Khelo India Tribal Games aim to identify untapped talent
He stressed that talent is not limited to urban areas, but also exists in tribal, coastal, and remote areas. He said, “Sporting talent is not limited to metropolitan cities; it flourishes in tribal villages and diverse regions of the country. The Khelo India Tribal Games aim to identify and nurture this untapped talent.”
Mandaviya said that sports are not just about winning medals but it teaches discipline, balance and important values of life, which is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a strong sports culture.
He said that SAI (Sports Authority of India) coaches will be present at the sports venues and will identify the talents and nurture them through Khelo India Centres and Centres of Excellence, so that the players can compete at the national and international level.
Referring to Olympian Deepika Kumari, he underlined the significant contribution of tribal communities to India’s sporting heritage.
Mandaviya reiterates goal of hosting 2036 Olympic Games
Mandaviya said that these games will not only promote sports but will also give impetus to tourism and regional development and will attract the attention of the country and the world in the coming years.
Emphasizing transparency and good governance, the minister said that performance will remain a top priority and the selection process will be fair, transparent, and monitored. He also mentioned the Sports Governance Bill and the upcoming Khelo India policy, which aim to promote inclusivity and provide greater opportunities for women and tribal athletes.
He expressed confidence that India will perform its best at the Asian Games, looking ahead to upcoming international competitions. He also noted that sports in the country have seen extensive growth over the past decade through campaigns like Fit India and Khelo India.
Mandaviya reiterated India’s goal of hosting the Olympic Games in 2036, reaching the top 10 in global sports rankings by then, and being among the top five sporting nations in the world by 2047.
