Kumar Bahukhandi
Hosting the First Khelo India Tribal Games is a matter of pride and honor for the entire state of Chhattisgarh – Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Sai
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday January 3, 2026 paid a courtesy visit to the Union Minister of Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, in New Delhi. During the meeting, they held detailed discussions on various aspects related to the successful organization of the proposed “First Khelo India Tribal Games – 2026” in Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his gratitude for the continuous efforts to promote sports under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
He said that hosting the First Khelo India Tribal Games is a matter of pride and honor for the entire state, and this opportunity will provide a national platform for the state’s rich tribal traditions and sporting talents.
During the discussion, Chief Minister Sai informed that a total of 7 main sports events, including athletics, archery, wrestling, weightlifting, hockey, football, and swimming, will be organized under the Khelo India Tribal Games, while 2 sports will be presented as demonstration events. According to the proposed plan,
wrestling, archery, and weightlifting competitions will be held in Surguja division, hockey, football, and swimming in Raipur, and athletics in Bilaspur. The Chief Minister said that the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Tribal Games – 2026 will be held on February 14, 2026, in Raipur.
On this occasion, he invited Union Minister Mandaviya to attend the opening ceremony.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya appreciated the efforts of the Chhattisgarh government and said that there is abundant sporting talent among the youth of tribal areas, and such events in states like Chhattisgarh will create new enthusiasm and opportunities for sports. He assured full cooperation in all the preparations for the event.
Chief Minister Sai expressed confidence that the Khelo India Tribal Games will provide opportunities for players from tribal areas to advance at the national and international levels, and Chhattisgarh will establish a new identity as a sporting powerhouse.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, on this occasion, thanked Mansukh Mandaviya for the strengthening and expansion of ESIC hospitals, stating that it would provide better healthcare facilities to the workers of Chhattisgarh and their families.
He also expressed gratitude for the Ministry of Sports’ support in developing sports infrastructure in the state, expanding training opportunities for athletes, and promoting a sports culture. The Chief Minister congratulated the Union Minister on the historic Labour Codes implemented in the country, saying that they have given a new direction to the protection of workers’ interests, social security coverage, and transparency and ease of doing business in the labor sector, CM Sai added.
