Khelo India Tribal Games 2026

• 04 Apr 2026

Why in News? 

Karnataka emerged as the overall champion at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026, while host state Chhattisgarh finished ninth in the final medal tally. 

Key Points 

• KITG Edition: The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 concluded in Chhattisgarh, marking India’s first national multi-sport event dedicated specifically to tribal athletes. 
  • The Games were held from 25th March to 3rd April 2026 across venues in Raipur, Jagdalpur and Surguja in Chhattisgarh.  
• Organised by: The Games are jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association (IOA), various National Sports Federations, and the Government of Chhattisgarh. 
• Mascot: “Morveer” is the official mascot of the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026. 
  • The name is rooted in the local cultural ethos, where “Mor” means “our own” and “Veer” represents bravery and strength. 
• Champion: Karnataka secured the top position in the medal tally with 23 gold, 8 silver and 7 bronze medals (Total: 38). 
  • Odisha – Rank 2: 21 Gold, 15 Silver, 21 Bronze (Total: 57) 
  • Jharkhand – Rank 3: 16 Gold, 8 Silver, 11 Bronze (Total: 35) 
  • Maharashtra – Rank 4: 6 Gold, 10 Silver, 4 Bronze (Total: 20) 
  • Assam – Rank 6: 5 Gold, 14 Silver, 12 Bronze (Total: 31) 
  • Chhattisgarh – Rank 9: 3 Gold, 10 Silver, 6 Bronze (Total: 19) 
  • Madhya Pradesh – Rank 11: 2 Gold, 3 Silver, 6 Bronze (Total: 11) 
  • West Bengal – Rank 14: 2 Gold, 0 Silver, 0 Bronze (Total: 2) 
  • Jammu & Kashmir – Rank 15: 1 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze (Total: 8) 
  • Bihar – Rank 19: 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 0 Bronze (Total: 2) 
  • Rajasthan – Rank 22: 0 Gold, 3 Silver, 2 Bronze (Total: 5) 
• Demonstration Sports: Traditional sports such as Mallakhamb and Kabaddi were included as demonstration events to highlight indigenous sporting traditions. 
• Outstanding Athlete: Karnataka swimmer Manikanta L emerged as the most successful athlete, winning eight gold and one silver medal. 
  • Women: Anjali Munda from Odisha bagged five gold medals in swimming. 
• Objective: The Games aim to identify, nurture and promote sporting talent among tribal youth and strengthen grassroots sports under the Khelo India programme.  

Read More: Khelo India Tribal Games