The Khelo India Tribal Games, the first edition of its kind, have started in Chhattisgarh, spanning from March 25 to April 6. This event is taking place in three cities – Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Sarguja. It features seven medal sports including athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming, and wrestling, along with demonstration sports like mallakhamb and kabaddi.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey praised the initiative, highlighting the significant platform it provides for tribal athletes to showcase their talents. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for envisioning a future where tribal children excel in sports, aiming for participation in the 2036 Olympics. The Sports Authority of India selection committee is present to identify and select exceptional athletes during the Games.
The Khelo India Tribal Games aim to boost self-confidence among tribal children through sports participation. This event, hosting participants from 30 states and Union Territories across nine disciplines, will award medals in archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling. Traditional sports like Mallakhamb and Kabaddi will also be showcased, with an estimated 3,800 participants expected to compete.
