Explained: What is Khelo India Tribal Games?

The Indian domestic sports ecosystem is entering new territory this year, introducing the first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games, exclusive for tribal athletes.

The inaugural edition is being held from 25th March to 3rd April 2026 in Chhattisgarh across Raipur, Jagdalpur and Surguja, bringing together tribal athletes from across India onto a national platform.

There will be seven medal sports, including Archery, Athletics, Football, Hockey, Swimming, Wrestling and Weightlifting, with 106 gold medals on offer.

Alongside that, the two demonstration events, such as mallakhamb and kabaddi, have been added to popularise India’s indigenous sporting traditions.

Empowering Tribal Talent

Indian tribal communities have always given exceptional sporting talents to the nation, be it Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu or veteran footballer Bhaichung Bhutia.

The focus of these games is to establish a strong hold in the Indian tribal community and offer an opportunity to athletes from these regions to come out and show their potential.

The main vision behind the Khelo India Tribal Games is to provide a national-level platform to youth from tribal regions across the country, enabling them to gain recognition and opportunities for their sporting talent.

This national recognition also inspires the youth of the Indian tribal community to pick up a sport, not just as a hobby but as a serious career option.

Former Asian Champion weightlifter Jhilli Dalabehera, who hails from Makarprasad village in Odisha's tribal community, is among the big names participating in this inaugural edition.

Around 3000 tribal athletes and officials from nearly 30 states and union territories of India are competing at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games.

Venues of Khelo India Tribal Games

Raipur:

Ravishankar Shukla University - Weightlifting & Football

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium - Hockey

International Swimming Pool Raipur - Swimming

Swami Vivekananda Athletics Stadium - Football

Directorate of Youth & Welfare - Archery

Jagdalpur:

Krida Parisar, Dharmpura - Athletics

Sarguja:

Gandhi Stadium - Wrestling

Schedule of Khelo India Tribal Games

• Archery - 30 March to 3 April - 10 medal events
• Athletics - 30 March to 2 April - 34 medal events
• Football 25 March to 3 April - 2 medal events
• Hockey - 26 March to 31 March - 2 medal events
• Swimming - 25 March to 28 March - 24 medal events
• Weightlifting - 26 March to 29 March - 16 medal events
• Wrestling - 28 March to 31 March - 18 medal events

Where to Watch Khelo India Tribal Games?

All the action from the first edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games is available on the Doordarshan TV channel and Prasar Bharti YouTube Channel.