THE country’s first Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG)-2026 got off to a colourful start at Science College Ground in Raipur on Wednesday. Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Vishnu Deo Sai declared the first KITG open. The first edition of KITG started with swimming and football competition. The Games will end on April 3 and will feature nine sports in all. Describing the KITG opening ceremony as a historic occasion, Sai said, “Today is a day that Chhattisgarh and indeed all of India will remember for a long time to come. The inauguration of the first-ever KITG- 2026 is not merely the beginning of a sporting event; it is the beginning of a movement. A movement that declares, with full conviction, that talent knows no geography, that excellence has no boundary, and that the heart of tribal India beats as strongly as anywhere else in this great nation.” “Chhattisgarh has always been a land where sport and spirit are inseparable from daily life. From the plains of Raipur to the lush landscapes of Bastar and the highlands of Ambikapur, our tribal communities have carried within them an athleticism that is raw, natural and extraordinary born from the soil, shaped by tradition and forged through generations of resilience. As a state where over 32 per cent of our population belongs to tribal communities, we have always known this truth. Today, the rest of the nation gets to witness it,” said Sai. “I extend my warmest welcome to over 3,800 athletes from 30 states and Union Territories, who have made Chhattisgarh their home for the next ten days. You have earned your place here through hard work, through trials and through sheer determination.

 

This arena belongs to you. I also extend my deep gratitude to the Hon’ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, and to the Government of India for placing their trust in Chhattisgarh to host this landmark inaugural edition. We are honoured, and we are ready,” the Chief Minister said. In his address, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya stated that the first KITG 2026 marks a historic beginning for Chhattisgarh as a permanent host, with the Games set to be organised annually across regions including Bastar, Sarguja and Raipur. The Minister stressed that talent exists beyond urban centres, including in tribal regions, coastal areas and remote parts of the country. “Sporting talent is not limited to metropolitan cities; it thrives in tribal villages and across diverse regions of the country. The introduction of the KITG aims to identify and promote this untapped potential,” he said. Emphasising that sports go beyond medals, the Union Minister noted that games instill discipline, balance and life lessons, aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to promote a strong sporting culture in the country. He further stated that SAI coaches will be present at the games venue and will scout talent through structured pathways, including Khelo India Centres and Centres of Excellence. Athletes will receive advanced training to compete at national and international levels. Referring to icons such as Olympian Deepika Kumari, the Union Minister highlighted the longstanding contribution of tribal communities to India’s sporting legacy.

 

Dr Mandaviya further stated that KITG will not only promote sports but also boost tourism and regional development, drawing participants and attention from across the country and globally in the coming years. Outlining the importance of transparency and good governance, the Union Minister said that reforms such as the Sports Governance Bill and the upcoming Khelo Bharat Niti aim to ensure fair selection processes, promote inclusivity, and provide greater opportunities for women and tribal athletes. He further noted that performance must always be the top priority and that selection processes will be fair, transparent and monitored. The Union Minister also expressed confidence in India’s strong performance at upcoming international events, including the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, stating that India will deliver its best ever performance at the Asian Games. He observed that over the past decade, India has witnessed a significant transformation in sports, driven by a comprehensive and structured approach. Initiatives such as Fit India and Khelo India have worked in tandem to broaden participation and nurture talent across the country.

 

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said that a sport is a life style and it teaches to how to make balance of life. Dr Mandaviya praised the efforts of Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Vishnu Deo Sai for hosting the first Khelo India Tribal Games in a wellorganised manner in the state. The Union Minister assured that Government of India would provide all possible help and facilities to expand sports infrastructure in the state. Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao and State Tribal Minister Ramvichar Netam also spoke. Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh Vikas Sheel gave the welcome address. He demanded Union Minister Dr Mandaviya to provide an opportunity to Chhattisgarh for hosting the National Games. Cabinet Ministers Rajesh Agrawal, Gajendra Yadav, former Hockey player and President of Hockey India Dilip Tirkey, weightlifter and Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu, Rajya Sabha Member Laxmi Verma, Mayor Meenal Choubey, Secretary of Sports Department Yashwant Kumar, MLAs, sports officials and players were present on the occasion.