Raipur, April 3 The Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) is a "grand confluence" of unity, culture, and sporting excellence, and has emerged as a historic platform for tribal talent, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said on Friday.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the first edition of KITG 2026 at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium here, he said the event will now be held annually in Chhattisgarh, calling it a matter of pride for the state. The KITG was inaugurated here on March 25 by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya.
"The enthusiasm and energy witnessed over the past 10 days in the state has drawn nationwide attention. The event provided a unique opportunity for tribal athletes to showcase their sporting abilities and gain recognition at the national level," Sai said while expressing gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"It was with the PM's vision and guidance that Chhattisgarh got the opportunity to host the inaugural edition of the Games. I thank Union Minister Mandaviya for his continuous support. Such efforts have helped place the state prominently on the country's sporting map," Sai added.
Highlighting the deep-rooted connection between tribal communities and sports, Sai said disciplines such as archery, running, and wrestling have long been an integral part of tribal life.
Referring to his own tribal background, he said there is immense talent and energy within tribal communities which can achieve national and international recognition with the right platform.
"Athletes from 30 states and Union Territories participated, making it a significant step towards empowering tribal youth and strengthening grassroots sports. Karnataka secured first position in the medal tally, followed by Odisha and Jharkhand. Chhattisgarh secured 19 medals, including three gold, 10 silver, and six bronze," the CM informed.
Among notable performances from Chhattisgarh, Anushka Bhagat won four silver medals in swimming, while Nikhil Khalkho and Nyasa Paikra also contributed to the medal tally.
In athletics, Siddharth Nagesh clinched gold and silver medals, while Nikita won a gold medal in weightlifting. The girls' football team secured a gold medal, and the boys' hockey team won bronze, he said.
Sai also announced cash prizes for medal winners. "Individual gold medallists will receive Rs 2 lakh, silver Rs 1.5 lakh, and bronze Rs 1 lakh, while team event winners will be awarded Rs 1 lakh for gold, Rs 75,000 for silver, and Rs 50,000 for bronze," he said.
More than 2,000 tribal athletes and officials from across the country participated in the event. Deputy CM Arun Sao, boxing legend MC Mary Kom, and former Indian football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia were present at the closing ceremony, officials said.