In a significant boost for tribal sports, Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya revealed plans for the first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) on Thursday. Scheduled from March 26 to April 6 in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Surguja, the event will unite young athletes from across India.
Competitions will span athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming, and wrestling for medals, with mallakhamb and kabaddi as demo events. This multi-state participation underscores KITG’s aim to broaden India’s sporting base.
‘Sports play a crucial role in Viksit Bharat,’ Dr. Mandaviya said, stressing the need to unearth and nurture tribal talents. He outlined systematic identification, training, and integration into national frameworks for these promising youths.
The mascot ‘Morveer’—derived from ‘mor’ (ours) and ‘veer’ (brave)—was launched alongside the logo and theme song in Bilaspur, attended by Chhattisgarh’s top leaders. It embodies the valor and identity of tribal India.
Backed by key sports bodies and aligned with global benchmarks, KITG is a Khelo India flagship effort. Chhattisgarh hosting this debut edition positions it as a leader in promoting inclusive sports growth, fostering excellence from the ground up.