Players from the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Ashram have played a crucial role in Chhattisgarh’s advancement to the knockouts of the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026. The ashram, established in 1986 to uplift tribal communities, has been instrumental in nurturing football talent from remote regions. More than a dozen players from the institution are part of Chhattisgarh’s men’s and women’s football squads at KITG.
The women’s team has secured a spot in the final, while the men’s team has progressed to the semifinals, showcasing the ashram’s increasing impact in the sport. According to Mohan Lal, assistant general secretary of the Chhattisgarh Football Association (CFA) and AIFF executive committee member, there are around 12-13 players from the ashram in each team competing at KITG 2026.
Situated in the Bastar region known for its history of isolation and conflict due to Naxalism, the ashram has been dedicated to providing education and opportunities to children from tribal villages. With a focus on education and sports development, the institution offers free education and fosters interests in music and sports, with a strong emphasis on football.
The ashram boasts robust infrastructure to support its sporting initiatives, including three football grounds, one of which is an astro-turf field, along with indoor facilities for various sports. With over 2,700 children from diverse age groups, the ashram not only imparts education but also paves the way for careers in various fields such as medicine, engineering, sports, and academia.
