Chhattisgarh to host first Khelo India Tribal Games from Mar 25

Raipur: Chhattisgarh is set to host the first Khelo India Tribal Games from March 25 to April 3 across Raipur, Jagdalpur and Ambikapur, with around 3,700 participants, including athletes, coaches and officials, expected from across the country.The event, being organised for the first time under the Khelo India initiative, is being seen as a milestone for the state and a reflection of its growing sporting profile, particularly in tribal-dominated regions such as Bastar and Surguja.Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said hosting the event was a proud moment for Chhattisgarh and underlined the govt's commitment to promoting youth through education, skill development, employment and sports. "This event will not only showcase the incredible talent of our tribal athletes but also launch them onto the national stage," he said.Officials linked the state's selection as host to the strong response to recent grassroot sporting events such as the Bastar Olympics and Surguja Olympics. Registration in the Bastar Olympics rose from 1.65 lakh in 2024 to 3.91 lakh in 2025, while the Surguja Olympics drew over 3.49 lakh participants, highlighting the deep enthusiasm for sports in tribal areas.Senior football coach Sarita Kujur Toppo said tribal athletes, especially from Bastar and other indigenous belts, possess remarkable discipline, sincerity and physical endurance rooted in their cultural values and lifestyle."I have been coaching for the past 24 years. Tribal players are extremely disciplined. Their physical recovery and endurance are often better than those of players from urban areas," she said.Coaches and officials also pointed to traditional food habits as a factor behind the natural stamina of tribal athletes. Millets, drumsticks and green leafy vegetables, now widely promoted as superfoods, have long been part of their regular diet, they said.A number of tribal athletes who have represented at national and international levels are expected to participate in the games. Among them is footballer Kiran Bista, 23, who played in the Asian Football Championship in 2025. She will be joined by young Kondagaon-based players Rashi Poyam, Madwai Pooja and Shraddha Pradhani, all 16, who hope to pursue sports professionally.Competitions in seven disciplines will be held during the games, along with two demonstration events.