Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Dec 23: The logo, theme song and mascot of the first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 were formally unveiled on Tuesday (December 23) at the Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium here, marking a major step towards integrating tribal talent into India's mainstream sporting ecosystem.
The inaugural edition of the Games will be held from February 14, 2026, featuring competitions across seven sports disciplines.
The launch ceremony was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, senior officials from the Union Sports Ministry, the state government and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said the Khelo India Tribal Games
would significantly strengthen India's athlete pipeline by focusing on talent from tribal regions.
"The Khelo India Tribal Games broaden 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," Mandaviya said. "We are ensuring that talented youngsters from tribal communities are identified early, supported systematically, and integrated into the national sports framework. "
'Morveer' Unveiled as Official Mascot
A key highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the official mascot 'Morveer', a name deeply rooted in Chhattisgarh's cultural ethos. Derived from 'Mor', meaning mine or our own in Chhattisgarhi, and 'Veer', symbolising courage and valour, Morveer represents the pride, strength and identity of India's tribal communities.
Seven Competitive Sports, Indigenous Traditions on Display
The maiden edition of the Games will feature competitions in Archery, Athletics, Football, Hockey, Wrestling, Swimming and Weightlifting. In addition, two demonstration sports showcasing India's indigenous sporting traditions will also be part of the programme.
The Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 will be jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, SAI, the Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations and the Chhattisgarh state organising committee. Technical standards for the competitions will be benchmarked against international norms.
Focus on Talent Identification and Long-Term Support
One of the core objectives of the Games is talent identification. Athletes spotted during the competition will be inducted as Khelo India Athletes, making them eligible for scholarships of ₹5 lakh per year for eight years, along with comprehensive financial and 360-degree support aimed at long-term athlete development.
Chhattisgarh becoming the first state to host a national sporting event exclusively for tribal athletes marks a significant milestone in India's sports journey, underlining the government's focus on grassroots inclusion and tribal empowerment.
Part of the Khelo India Scheme
The Khelo India Tribal Games are part of the Khelo India Scheme, a flagship Central Sector initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports 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.
So far, the Khelo India programme has successfully conducted seven editions of the Khelo India Youth Games, five Khelo India University Games, six Khelo India Winter Games, two Khelo India Para Games, and the inaugural editions of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival and Khelo India Beach Games, with participation from all 36 States and Union Territories.
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