- It is historic that Khelo India Tribal Games started from Chhattisgarh – Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
- The government is committed to giving new heights to sports talents – Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai
- Raipur, Bastar and Surguja became the centers of National Sports Confluence
- Around 2500 players from 30 States/UTs across the country are participating in 9 sports disciplines.
Chhattisgarh witnessed a historic moment today when the country’s first “Khelo India Tribal Games 2026” was inaugurated at the Science College Ground in Raipur, the capital. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai officially announced this national event, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to fostering sports talent and strengthening sports infrastructure. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya graced the occasion as the chief guest. This Khel Mahakumbh is being held from March 25th to April 3rd in Raipur, as well as Bastar and Surguja, where approximately 2,500 athletes from 30 states and union territories across the country are showcasing their talents in nine sports disciplines. The presence of Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey and Olympic medalist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu added special significance to the event.
In his address, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said that it is a matter of great fortune for Chhattisgarh that the country’s first Khelo India Tribal Games is being held in the maternal home of Lord Shri Ram. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on behalf of the 30 million people of Chhattisgarh. He said that continuous efforts are being made to nurture sporting talent in the state. The participation of 400,000 people in the Bastar Olympics and 350,000 people in the Surguja Olympics is a testament to the deep interest in sports among tribal communities. He specifically mentioned that even surrendered Naxalites returned to the mainstream through ‘Nuabat’ (new path) and participated in these events—a symbol of change and faith.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that both enthusiasm and efforts for sports have doubled under the double engine government. The state government has launched the ‘Chief Minister Sports Excellence Mission’, under which a provision of Rs 100 crore has been made for the construction of sports infrastructure and identification of talent.
He informed that residential academies are operating under Khelo India in Raipur and Bilaspur, while integrated sports complexes are being constructed in Jashpur, Raigarh and Raipur. To encourage the players, the state government has fixed incentive amount of Rs 21 lakh for the players selected in the Olympics, Rs 3 crore for gold medal winners, Rs 2 crore for silver medal winners and Rs 1 crore for bronze medal winners.
The Chief Minister also said that the country’s second largest cricket stadium located in Nava Raipur has been named after tribal hero Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, who is a symbol of pride and inspiration of the state.
The event related to tribal culture, history and pride.
While welcoming the players from all over the country, the Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh is not only the maternal home of Lord Shri Ram, but it is also the land of tribal bravery and sacrifice. Referring to heroes like Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Gend Singh and Gundadhur, he said that a museum has been built in their honor in Nava Raipur, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He also urged the players to visit this museum.
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said that the launch of Khelo India Tribal Games in Chhattisgarh is historic and this series will continue in the coming years. He said that sports is not just a means to win medals, but a balanced lifestyle. Referring to the expansion of sports culture in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he said that campaigns like ‘Fit India’ and ‘Khelo India’ have given a new direction to sports. He said that more than 65 percent of the country’s youth population has immense potential and now sports talent is not limited to cities only, but is also emerging from tribal areas.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao said that the inauguration of this event at Lord Rama’s maternal home on the auspicious occasion of Navratri is a very auspicious coincidence. He said that the tribal community of Chhattisgarh has always inspired the country with bravery and hard work. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, sports are taking a new direction and the ‘Tribal Games’ are an important step in this direction.
Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam said that this event is historic and all of Chhattisgarh is excited to welcome athletes from across the country. He said that the Khelo India Tribal Games will be a powerful medium to elevate tribal talent to the world stage and that the state’s athletes will benefit from the efforts being made by the Sports Authority of India.
On this occasion, Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Laxmi Verma, MLAs Shri Sunil Soni, Shri Anuj Sharma, Shri Motilal Sahu, Shri Purandar Mishra, Shri Indra Kumar Sahu, Mayor Smt. Meenal Choubey, Chief Secretary Shri Vikasshiil along with other public representatives, officials, a large number of sports lovers and dignitaries were present.