Deputy CM Arun Sao Reviews Preparations for Khelo India Tribal Games 2026

Raipur, March 2026 : Deputy Chief Minister and Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Arun Sao on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the upcoming Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 by inspecting the inauguration arrangements and key sports venues in Raipur. He directed officials and concerned agencies to accelerate the remaining work and ensure that all arrangements are completed in a timely and efficient manner.

During the visit, Sao emphasized the importance of seamless coordination among departments to ensure the smooth conduct of the inaugural ceremony as well as the sporting events. He instructed authorities to maintain high standards in infrastructure, logistics, and overall event management. Secretary of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Yashwant Kumar, was also present during the inspection.

Addressing a press conference at the media centre set up at the Science College campus, Sao provided detailed information about the mega sporting event. He said it is a matter of pride for Chhattisgarh to host the first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG), which will be held from March 25 to April 3 across Raipur, Ambikapur, and Jagdalpur.

He described the event as a historic initiative aimed at providing a national platform to talented youth from remote tribal regions of the country. According to him, the Games will help identify and nurture sporting talent among tribal communities while promoting inclusivity and integrating these athletes into the national sports ecosystem.

Sao also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for their support in organizing the event. He said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government is committed to hosting the Games in a grand and successful manner.

The Deputy CM informed that the Games will feature nine disciplines. Competitive events will include athletics, hockey, football, archery, wrestling, weightlifting, and swimming, while traditional sports like Mallakhamb and kabaddi will be showcased as demonstration events.

Raipur will host competitions in football, hockey, archery, swimming, weightlifting, and kabaddi. Jagdalpur will conduct athletics events, while Ambikapur will host wrestling and Mallakhamb competitions.

The 10-day sporting event is expected to witness participation from over 3,000 tribal athletes and officials representing nearly 30 states across the country. The Games are being jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), various national sports federations, and the state government’s Sports and Youth Welfare Department.

Officials also confirmed that around 500 participants from different states have already arrived, and all necessary arrangements for their accommodation and facilities are being ensured.