Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya announced the first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games on March 6, 2026.
The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games take place in three Chhattisgarh cities—Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Sarguja—from March 26 to April 6. Athletes from most states and Union Territories compete in this landmark event.
The Games include seven medal sports: athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming, and wrestling. Organisers add two demonstration sports—mallakhamb and kabaddi—to showcase cultural richness.
Dr Mandaviya emphasises the initiative’s role in expanding opportunities. “The Khelo India Tribal Games form part of our growing efforts to give every young person a chance to play sports,” he states. He connects the event to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047, where sports drive progress.
The minister highlights the focus on tribal talent. India identifies promising youngsters from tribal areas early, supports them systematically, and brings them into the national sports system. This approach strengthens the athlete base and promotes inclusion.
Chhattisgarh makes history as the first host state for this national event dedicated to tribal athletes. The official mascot, Morveer, embodies courage and pride. The name combines “Mor” (meaning “ours” in Chhattisgarhi) and “Veer” (valour), reflecting tribal identity.
Authorities unveiled the logo, theme song, and mascot at Late B.R. Yadav Sports Stadium in Bilaspur on December 23, 2025. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao attended the ceremony.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India, Indian Olympic Association, national federations, and the state committee jointly manage the Khelo India Tribal Games. They maintain international-level technical standards.
This event falls under the Khelo India Scheme, which promotes mass participation and excellence. The government declared the Khelo India Games an Event of National Importance in 2020.
