Ambikapur, the heart of the Surguja district, is hosting the wrestling competition of the country’s first Khelo India Tribal Games 2026. Ambikapur, the heart of the Surguja district, is set to witness a historic moment. The grand wrestling competition will begin on March 28th in Surguja district, Chhattisgarh, featuring thrilling matches in both men’s and women’s categories. Tribal athletes from various states will showcase their athletic talent and physical prowess at this national event, to be held at the local Gandhi Stadium. The primary objective of the event is to provide a platform to the tribal sports talents hidden in the remote forest areas of the state and to give them national recognition. The competitions in Ambikapur will serve as an inspiration for local youth and provide them with an opportunity to make their mark internationally in the future.
- Mahakumbh will bring together talents from across the country.
A total of 144 wrestlers (men and women) from Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Gujarat, Odisha, Mizoram, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and host Chhattisgarh are participating in this national level competition. This event will provide a golden opportunity to provide a national platform to the tribal youth. Preparations are in the final stages at the Gandhi Stadium in Ambikapur. Exciting wrestling matches will be held here in the men’s and women’s categories from March 28 to 31.
- Four-day thrill – matches will be held in three stages
Starting March 28th and running until March 31st, these matches will be held in three phases daily to ensure ease for players and spectators. The first phase will be held from 8 am to 9 am, the second phase from 11 am to 2 pm, and the third phase from 4 pm until the end of the match. The matches to be held in Ambikapur will serve as an inspiration for local youth and provide them with an opportunity to make their mark at the international level in the future.
- Live telecast on DD Sports
This grand event is being presented with the inspiring tagline of “India’s Tribal Sports, Chhattisgarh Ma Sundar Mel.” Extensive preparations have been made to anticipate the enthusiasm of sports lovers. It’s a matter of pride that this event will be broadcast live on DD Sports and Prasar Bharati, allowing viewers worldwide to witness this grand event unfolding on the land of Surguja.
Preparations complete, athletes welcome.
The Sports Department has made arrangements for the players’ accommodation, food, medical care, and security. Surguja is now ready to bring its traditional culture and new sporting energy to the nation. Athletes and officials from across the country can experience Chhattisgarh’s “Atithi Devo Bhava” tradition.