Raipur, March 26: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, addressed the inauguration ceremony of the ‘Khelo India Tribal Games’ (KITG) 2026. This event, which commenced on Wednesday across three cities in Chhattisgarh, will run until April 3.
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that the KITG 2026 marks a historic beginning for Chhattisgarh, as it has now become the permanent host for these games. The event will be held annually in various regions, including Bastar, Sarguja, and Raipur. He highlighted that sports talent is not confined to urban centers but is also flourishing in tribal areas, coastal regions, and remote parts of the country.
He stated, “Sports talent is not limited to big cities. It thrives in tribal villages and various regions across the nation. The aim of starting the Khelo India Tribal Games is to recognize and promote this hidden talent.”
Emphasizing that sports extend beyond just winning medals, the minister noted that they teach discipline, balance, and essential life lessons. This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to foster a robust sports culture in the country. He further explained that coaches from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) will be present at the sports venues to scout talent through organized platforms like ‘Khelo India Centers’ and ‘Excellence Centers.’ Selected athletes will receive advanced training to compete at national and international levels.
Referencing prominent figures like Olympian Deepika Kumari, the minister praised the long-standing contributions of tribal communities to India’s sports heritage. Dr. Mandaviya added that the KITG will not only promote sports but also boost tourism and regional development. In the coming years, this event is expected to attract players and audiences from across the country and around the world.
Highlighting the importance of transparency and good governance, the minister stated that reforms such as the ‘Sports Administration Bill’ and the upcoming ‘Khelo Bharat Policy’ aim to make the selection process fair, inclusive, and provide more opportunities for women and tribal athletes. He insisted that performance should always be the top priority and that selection processes must be fair, transparent, and monitored.
The minister expressed confidence in India’s strong performance in upcoming international events, including the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. He asserted that India will achieve its best-ever performance in the Asian Games. Over the past decade, India has witnessed a significant transformation in sports, made possible by a comprehensive and systematic approach. Initiatives like ‘Fit India’ and ‘Khelo India’ have collectively increased public participation in sports and nurtured talent nationwide.
Dr. Mandaviya reiterated India’s aspiration to host the Olympic Games in 2036 and to secure a spot in the top 10 of the global sports rankings by then. He also set a goal for India to be among the top five sports nations by 2047.
Leave a Comment