The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 concluded in Chhattisgarh, in a landmark initiative to promote grassroots sports and tribal talent. Organised under Government of India’s Khelo India programme, it is first-ever national multi-sport event dedicated exclusively to tribal athletes, bringing them onto a national competitive platform.
Games were held from 25 March to 3 April 2026 across Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Surguja, witnessing massive participation and showcasing India’s rich indigenous sporting heritage.
Key Highlights
- First edition of Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) held in Chhattisgarh
- Participation: 60,000+ athletes from 30 States & UTs
- Total medals: 338 (106 Gold, 106 Silver, 126 Bronze)
- Mascot: “Morveer” (Mor = our own, Veer = bravery)
About Khelo India Tribal Games
- First national-level multi-sport event exclusively for tribal athletes
- Aims to identify, nurture, and promote tribal sporting talent
- Integrates traditional sports culture with modern competitive platforms
- Part of the broader Khelo India Programme
- Focus on grassroots development, talent identification, and financial support.
Organising Bodies
The Games were jointly organised by:
- Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
- Sports Authority of India (SAI)
- Indian Olympic Association (IOA)
- National Sports Federations
- Government of Chhattisgarh
Sports and Events
Medal Sports (7 Disciplines)
- Athletics, Weightlifting, Swimming, Football, Wrestling, Hockey, Archery
- Athletics contributed the highest number of medals.
Demonstration Sports
- Mallakhamb and Kabaddi
- Highlighted India’s indigenous sporting traditions.
Medal Tally (Top Performers)
- 1st: Karnataka: 23 Gold, 8 Silver, 7 Bronze (Total: 38)
- 2nd: Odisha: 21 Gold, 15 Silver, 21 Bronze (Total: 57)
- 3rd: Jharkhand: 16 Gold, 8 Silver, 11 Bronze (Total: 35)
- 4th: Maharashtra: 6 Gold, 10 Silver, 4 Bronze (Total: 20)
- 6th: Assam: 5 Gold, 14 Silver, 12 Bronze (Total: 31)
- 9th: Chhattisgarh (Host): 3 Gold, 10 Silver, 6 Bronze (Total: 19)
Outstanding Performers
- Manikanta L (Karnataka): 8 Gold + 1 Silver (Swimming)
- Anjali Munda (Odisha): 5 Gold medals (Swimming)
Participation & Selection Process
- Over 60,000 athletes participated nationwide
- Selection through two-stage process:
- State-level trials
- National trials by federations
- Ensured transparent and merit-based selection
- Supported by Talent Identification and Development Committee (TIDC).
Significance of Initiative
- Brings tribal sporting talent into mainstream sports ecosystem
- Promotes inclusive development and equal opportunity in sports
- Preserves and promotes indigenous games and traditions
- Strengthens India’s sports talent pipeline at grassroots level
About Khelo India Programme
- Launched by Government of India
- Objective:
- Promote sports culture at grassroots level
- Identify and nurture young talent
- Provide training, infrastructure, and financial assistance