Raipur, March 24 Chhattisgarh is preparing to host the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games, which begin on Wednesday. Prominent Indian sports figures, including Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, midfielder Salima Tete, and top sprinter Animesh Kujur, have expressed that the Khelo India Tribal Games provide an excellent platform for developing a sports career and inspiring many icons from the tribal community.
Thirty states and Union Territories will participate in the Khelo India Tribal Games, which will include nine sports. Medals will be awarded in archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling. Demonstration sports will feature traditional disciplines such as mallakhamb and kabaddi. Approximately 3,800 participants are expected to compete, with the event concluding on April 3. The Games will take place in three cities: Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Sarguja.
"For me and for all of us, it is a matter of great pride that this championship is being started in the country for the first time. It is a very good opportunity for all the young and tribal athletes to showcase their talent and move forward in sports, and to play for the country. Our Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, envisions making India a sporting nation. He wants all young people to be involved in sports and to play one sport or another," said Hockey India president and former Olympian Dilip Tirkey to SAI Media.
The host states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Assam will have the largest representation, with each having over 100 athletes. The ratio of male to female athletes will be nearly equal, approximately 50:50, in line with the Olympic charter's emphasis on gender neutrality.
A total of 106 gold medals will be awarded. Athletics will have the most medals, with 34. Swimming (24), wrestling (18), weightlifting (16), and archery (10) will each offer double-digit golds. Hockey and football are the two team sports, both taking place in Raipur. Athletics events will occur in Jagdalpur, while Sarguja will host the wrestling competitions.
"Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also wants that through sports, our athletes, especially tribal athletes, can build better careers, improve their lives, and represent the country. I also firmly believe that every tribal child has a dream. I myself come from a tribal family, and through sports, through hockey, I have been able to reach where I am today. I believe that all the tribal children participating in this tournament have a bright future ahead. Even earlier, many tribal athletes have represented the country and have become icons in our tribal society," said Tirkey.
National 100m and 200m record holder and current Indian athletics sensation Animesh Kujur told SAI Media, "There are many places in India where sports haven't reached. This makes the Khelo India Tribal Games all the more special. I honour the efforts of the government on taking this initiative of bringing together young sports enthusiasts from tribal regions across all States and UTs at the Chhattisgarh Games."
All athletes taking part in the first Khelo India Tribal Games have passed trials organized by the national sports federations. Their performance will be overseen by coaches appointed by the Sports Authority of India.
"All our tribal players and children should also showcase their talent through sports, play for the country, and build their careers. The Prime Minister's vision for the 2036 Olympics and for a developed India is that our nation becomes a youthful and sporting nation. I strongly believe that one day our youth and our country will become a true sporting nation," Tirkey added.