The logo, theme song, and mascot of the first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) were formally unveiled on Tuesday at the Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The games are scheduled for February 14, 2026.
The launch ceremony was attended by Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao as Chief Guests, along with officials from the Union Sports Ministry, State Government, and Sports Authority of India.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized that the games will strengthen the talent base emerging from tribal areas. “The Khelo India Tribal Games broadens the scope of opportunities for every athlete in the country. Tapping talent from tribal regions is key, and continuously expanding our athlete base is the requirement of the hour. We are ensuring that talented youngsters from tribal communities are identified early, supported systematically, and integrated into the national sports framework,” he stated.
The KITG 2026 will be co-managed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations, and the Chhattisgarh state organizing committee, with technical standards aligned with international benchmarks.
A significant highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the official mascot ‘Morveer’. This name is deeply rooted in Chhattisgarh’s cultural ethos. Derived from the words ‘Mor’, meaning mine or our own in Chhattisgarhi, and ‘Veer’, symbolizing courage and valour, Morveer embodies the spirit, pride, and identity of India’s tribal communities.
The inaugural edition of the games will feature seven competitive sports disciplines: Archery, Athletics, Football, Hockey, Wrestling, Swimming, and Weightlifting. Additionally, two demonstration sports will showcase India’s indigenous sporting traditions.
A primary objective of the Khelo India Tribal Games is talent identification. Promising athletes identified during the Games will be inducted as Khelo India Athletes, making them eligible for scholarships of ₹5 lakh per year for eight years. This includes financial support and comprehensive assistance, aiming for long-term athlete development. The Games seek to integrate this vast talent pool into India’s mainstream sports framework.
Chhattisgarh is the first state to host this landmark national event dedicated exclusively to tribal athletes, marking a significant milestone in India’s sporting journey aimed at tribal empowerment and grassroots inclusion.
The Khelo India Tribal Games is part of the Khelo India Scheme, a flagship Central Sector initiative by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, aimed at promoting mass participation and sporting excellence. The Khelo India Games were declared an ‘Event of National Importance’ in 2020 under the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, 2007.
To date, seven editions of Khelo India Youth Games, five editions of Khelo India University Games, six editions of Khelo India Winter Games, two editions of Khelo India Para Games, the first edition of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, and the first edition of the Khelo India Beach Games have been successfully conducted, with participation from 36 States/UTs.