Mansukh Mandaviya Opens Khelo Tribal Games, Highlights India’s Untapped Sporting Talent
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026, which commenced on Wednesday across three cities in Chhattisgarh and will continue until April 3.
Mandaviya said the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 mark a historic beginning for Chhattisgarh as a permanent host, with the Games set to be organised annually across regions including Bastar, Sarguja and Raipur. He stressed that talent exists beyond urban centres, extending to tribal regions, coastal areas and remote parts of the country.
“Sporting talent is not limited to metropolitan cities; it thrives in tribal villages and across diverse regions of the country. The introduction of the Khelo India Tribal Games aims to identify and promote this untapped potential,” he said.
Emphasising that sports go beyond medals, the Minister noted that games instil discipline, balance and life lessons, aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote a strong sporting culture in the country. He added that Sports Authority of India (SAI) coaches will be present at the venues to scout talent through structured pathways, including Khelo India Centres and Centres of Excellence. Athletes will receive advanced training to compete at national and international levels.
Referring to icons such as Olympian Deepika Kumari, the Minister highlighted the longstanding contribution of tribal communities to India’s sporting legacy. He added that KITG will not only promote sports but also boost tourism and regional development, drawing participants and attention from across the country and globally in the coming years.
Highlighting transparency and good governance, Mandaviya said reforms such as the Sports Governance Bill and the upcoming Khelo Bharat Niti aim to ensure fair selection processes, promote inclusivity and provide greater opportunities for women and tribal athletes. He emphasised that performance will remain the top priority and that selection processes will be fair, transparent and closely monitored.
The Minister also expressed confidence in India’s performance at upcoming international events, including the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, stating that the country will deliver its best-ever showing at the Asian Games. He noted that over the past decade, India has witnessed a significant transformation in sports, driven by a comprehensive and structured approach. Initiatives such as Fit India and Khelo India have worked in tandem to broaden participation and nurture talent across the country.
Mandaviya reiterated India’s aspiration to host the Olympic Games in 2036 and achieve a top-10 global sporting rank by then, with a long-term vision of becoming one of the top five sporting nations by 2047.
