Raipur, March 25, 2026: Chhattisgarh today witnessed a historic moment as the nation’s first ‘Khelo India Tribal Games 2026’ was grandly inaugurated at the Science College Ground in the capital city, Raipur.
While officially declaring the commencement of this national event, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai affirmed that the state government is fully committed to nurturing sporting talent and strengthening sports infrastructure.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, graced this dignified occasion as the Chief Guest.
This grand sporting extravaganza is being held from March 25 to April 3 across Raipur, as well as in the regions of Bastar and Sarguja. Approximately 2,500 athletes from 30 states and Union Territories across the country are showcasing their talent across nine different sporting disciplines during this event.
The presence of Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey and Olympic medalist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu added a special prestige to the proceedings.
In his address, Chief Minister Sai remarked that it is a matter of great privilege for Chhattisgarh that the nation’s first Khelo India Tribal Games are being hosted in the very land that serves as the maternal home of Lord Ram.
He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on behalf of the three crore people of Chhattisgarh.
Sai stated that continuous efforts are being undertaken to hone sporting talent within the state. The participation of 400,000 people in the Bastar Olympics and 350,000 people in the Surguja Olympics stands as a testament to the deep-seated interest in sports within the tribal community.
The Chief Minister specifically highlighted that even surrendered Naxalites have returned to the mainstream through the ‘Nuabaat’ (New Path) initiative and have become active participants in these events—a development that symbolizes both transformation and trust.
Sai concluded by noting that under the “Double Engine” government, both the enthusiasm and the efforts directed toward sports have been doubled. The State Government has launched the ‘Chief Minister’s Sports Excellence Mission,’ under which a provision of Rs 100 crore has been made for the development of sports infrastructure and the identification of talent.
He stated that residential academies under the ‘Khelo India’ initiative are currently operational in Raipur and Bilaspur, while Integrated Sports Complexes are being constructed in Jashpur, Raigarh, and Raipur. To encourage athletes, the State Government has established an incentive scheme: athletes selected for the Olympics receive Rs 21 lakh; gold medalists receive Rs 3 crore; silver medalists receive Rs 2 crore; and bronze medalists receive Rs 1 crore.
The Chief Minister also announced that the country’s second-largest cricket stadium, located in Nava Raipur, has been named after the tribal hero Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh—a symbol of the state’s pride and inspiration.
Welcoming athletes from across the country, the Chief Minister remarked that Chhattisgarh is not only the maternal home of Lord Rama but also a land steeped in tribal valour and sacrifice. Citing heroes such as Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Gend Singh, and Gundadhur, he noted that a museum dedicated to their honour has been established in Nava Raipur, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also urged the athletes to visit and explore this museum.
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stated that the launch of the ‘Khelo India Tribal Games’ in Chhattisgarh marks a historic milestone, and this series of events will continue in the years to come. He emphasized that sports are not merely a means to win medals, but rather a pathway to a balanced lifestyle.
Highlighting the expansion of sports culture across the nation under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, he noted that campaigns such as ‘Fit India’ and ‘Khelo India’ have given a new direction to the field of sports.
He added that the country’s youth population—comprising over 65 per cent of the total population—possesses immense potential; furthermore, sporting talent is no longer confined solely to urban centers but is now emerging from tribal regions as well.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao remarked that the inauguration of this event on the auspicious occasion of Navratri—in the very maternal home of Lord Rama—constitutes an extremely propitious coincidence. He asserted that the tribal communities of Chhattisgarh have consistently inspired the nation through their valour and diligence. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, sports are gaining a new trajectory, and the ‘Tribal Games’ represent a significant stride in this very direction.
Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam stated that this event is historic and that the entire state of Chhattisgarh is enthusiastic about welcoming the athletes arriving from across the country.
He remarked that the Khelo India Tribal Games will serve as a powerful platform to propel tribal talent onto the global stage, and that the athletes of the state will benefit from the efforts being undertaken by the Sports Authority of India.
Present on this occasion were Culture Minister Rajesh Agarwal, School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, Rajya Sabha MP Lakshmi Verma, MLAs Sunil Soni, Anuj Sharma, Motilal Sahu, Purandar Mishra, and Indra Kumar Sahu, Mayor Meenal Choubey, and Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, alongside a large number of sports enthusiasts and dignitaries.
