Six-time World Championship medallist Mary Kom and former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia highlighted the significance of investing in grassroots sports and structured development pathways at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Raipur. They stressed the need for Indian families to encourage children to participate in sports rather than spending excessive time on screens to nurture future champions. Bhutia, a prominent figure in Indian football, emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation for long-term success, citing the role of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in nurturing young talents.
Initiatives like the Khelo India Tribal Games (KIBG) were acknowledged as crucial starting points, but both sportspersons emphasized the necessity of focusing on grassroots levels to ensure sustained success in sports. Bhutia, reflecting on his own journey, emphasized the abundance of talent in tribal regions that requires the right support system to thrive. He highlighted the need to provide platforms for young talents from tribal communities, foreseeing a rise in talented individuals emerging from such backgrounds in the future.
Mary Kom commended the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) as a transformative initiative that can address longstanding gaps in access and awareness. She praised the Chhattisgarh Government for hosting the Games and supporting tribal communities’ untapped potential. The boxer also lauded government-backed programs like Khelo India and Fit India for enabling children to participate and represent the nation, signaling a positive shift in India’s sporting landscape.
Both sportspersons emphasized the importance of discipline and perseverance in achieving success in sports, urging young athletes to make the most of the available support and opportunities.
