Khelo India Tribal Games logo, mascot unveiled in Bilaspur

The logo, theme song, and mascot of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) were formally unveiled on Tuesday at the Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium in Bilaspur. The first edition of the Games is scheduled to be held from February 14.

The launch ceremony was attended by Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao as chief guests, along with senior officials from the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the State Government and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

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Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya underscored the significance of the Games in strengthening India’s talent pipeline from tribal regions.

“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,” Mandaviya said.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India, Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations and the Chhattisgarh state organising committee, the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games will feature seven competitive sports disciplines — archery, athletics, football, hockey, wrestling, swimming and weightlifting. Two demonstration sports showcasing India’s indigenous sporting traditions will also be included.

The technical conduct of the Games will be benchmarked against international standards.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the official mascot, Morveer, a name deeply rooted in Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity. The name combines ‘Mor’, meaning ‘mine’ or ‘our own’ in Chhattisgarhi, and ‘Veer’, symbolising courage and valour. Morveer embodies the spirit, pride and collective identity of India’s tribal communities.

Talent identification forms a central pillar of the Khelo India Tribal Games. Promising athletes identified during the competition will be inducted as Khelo India Athletes, making them eligible for scholarships of Rs 5 lakh per year for eight years. The support package includes financial assistance and comprehensive athlete development programmes aimed at long-term growth.

Chhattisgarh becoming the first state to host this landmark national event dedicated exclusively to tribal athletes marks a significant milestone in India’s sporting landscape, reinforcing the focus on grassroots inclusion and tribal empowerment.

The Khelo India Tribal Games are part of the Khelo India Scheme, a flagship Central Sector Scheme of the union sports ministry, aimed at promoting mass participation and sporting excellence. In 2020, the Khelo India Games were declared an ‘Event of National Importance’ under the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, 2007.

So far, the Khelo India programme has successfully staged seven editions of the Khelo India Youth Games, five editions of the Khelo India University Games, six editions of the Khelo India Winter Games, two editions of the Khelo India Para Games, along with the inaugural editions of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival and Khelo India Beach Games, with participation from 36 States and Union Territories.