*Grand Opening of the Country’s First ‘Khelo India Tribal Games 2026’: A Mega Sporting Confluence of Tribal Strength in Chhattisgarh**The launch of Khelo India Tribal Games from Chhattisgarh is historic — Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya**Government committed to giving a new sky to sports talents — Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai**Raipur, Bastar, and Surguja emerge as national sporting hubs, hosting around 2,500 players from 30 States and Union Territories across nine disciplines.*Raipur, March 26, 2026/ The land of Chhattisgarh witnessed a historic moment on late Wednesday evening as the country’s first ‘Khelo India Tribal Games 2026’ was grandly inaugurated at the Science College Ground in the state capital Raipur. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, while officially announcing this national event, stated that the state government is fully committed to promoting sports talent and strengthening sports infrastructure. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya attended the dignified occasion as the chief guest. This sporting mega event is being organized from March 25 to April 3 in Raipur, Bastar and Surguja, where around 2,500 players from 30 States and Union Territories across the country are showcasing their talent in 9 sporting disciplines. The presence of Hockey India President Shri Dilip Tirkey and Olympic medalist Sushri Saikhom Mirabai Chanu added special prestige to the event.Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, in his address, said that it is a matter of great fortune for Chhattisgarh that the first Khelo India Tribal Games of the country are being organized 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 three crore people of Chhattisgarh. He said that continuous efforts are being made to nurture sports talent in the state. Participation of four lakh people in Bastar Olympics and three-and-a-half lakh people in Surguja Olympics proves the deep interest of the tribal community in sports. He specifically mentioned that surrendered Naxalites also returned to the mainstream through ‘Nuabat’ (new path) and participated in these events—symbolizing change and trust.Chief Minister Shri Sai said that enthusiasm and efforts for sports have doubled under the double-engine government. The state government has launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Khel Utkarsh Mission’, under which a provision of Rs 100 crore has been made for sports infrastructure development and identification of talent.He informed that residential academies under Khelo India are operational in Raipur and Bilaspur, while Integrated Sports Complexes are being constructed in Jashpur, Raigarh and Raipur. To encourage players, the state government has fixed incentive amounts of Rs 21 lakh for Olympic-selected players, 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 for the state.*An event linked to tribal culture, history and pride*Welcoming players from across the country, the Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh is not only the maternal home of Lord Shri Ram but also the land of tribal bravery and sacrifice. Mentioning heroes like Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Martyr Gend Singh and Martyr 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 players to visit this museum.Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said that the launch of Khelo India Tribal Games from Chhattisgarh is historic and the series will continue in the coming years. He said sports are 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 young population holds immense potential, and sports talent is no longer limited to cities but is emerging from tribal regions as well.Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao said that the inauguration of this event in the maternal home of Lord Ram on the auspicious occasion of Navratri is a very fortunate coincidence. He said that the tribal society of Chhattisgarh has always inspired the country with bravery and hard work. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, sports are getting a new direction and the ‘Tribal Games’ are an important step in this direction.Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam said that the event is historic and the entire Chhattisgarh is excited to welcome players from across the country. He said that Khelo India Tribal Games will become a strong medium to take tribal talent to the global stage and the efforts being made by the Sports Authority of India will benefit players of the state.On this occasion, Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, Rajya Sabha MP Shrimati Laxmi Verma, MLAs including Shri Sunil Soni, Shri Anuj Sharma, Shri Motilal Sahu, Shri Purandar Mishra, Shri Indra Kumar Sao, Mayor Shrimati Meenal Choubey, Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, along with other public representatives, officials, a large number of sports enthusiasts and distinguished citizens were present.
