Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday highlighted President Droupadi Murmu’s views on the importance of sustained support for tribal athletes, stating that initiatives like the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 are key to building a strong talent pipeline and positioning India as a “global sports superpower.”
Sharing the President’s thoughts on social media, Mandaviya underlined how the initiative can transform the sporting landscape by nurturing talent from grassroots levels.
“Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji (@rashtrapatibhvn) writes about the immense sporting potential of our tribal youth and how the Khelo India Tribal Games will provide them with essential facilities,” he wrote in a caption.
“She emphasises that sustained encouragement to tribal sportspersons can create a pool of players who will establish India as a global sports superpower,” he added.
In her opinion piece, President Murmu reflected on the historical contribution of tribal athletes to Indian sport, citing their role in the country’s first Olympic success.
“India won its first Olympic gold medal in hockey in 1928. Players from tribal communities had an important role in that victory. Right since then, star hockey players such as Dilip Tirkey, Subodh Lakra, and Salima Tete have continued to enrich India’s men’s and women’s teams with their talent,” she wrote.
The President also shared a personal glimpse into her childhood, recalling her own enthusiasm for sports.
“Like other tribal children in my village, I too was very keen on exercises and sports, including swimming. I often stood first in sports tournaments in my school. In one such tournament, I deliberately held myself back so that a friend of mine could enjoy the delight of winning the first prize. Sports develop team spirit and lead to stronger social bonding. Generally, it is observed that players who demonstrate fierce competition on the field have strong friendships off it,” she wrote.
She praised the ‘Khelo India’ programme for fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities across regions and communities.
“Under the national sports development program ‘Khelo India,’ of the Government of India, an inclusive effort is being made to provide appropriate sports ecosystems for all geographical regions, social segments, and institutions from the local to the national levels.
“Under this program, a scheme called ‘Asmita’, being implemented to promote the participation of girls in sports, is also developing the potential of our tribal daughters. Continued strengthening of the momentum built by ‘Khelo India Tribal Games 2026’ and sustained encouragement to tribal sportspersons will create a pool of players who will establish India as a global sports superpower.” She added.
She concluded by emphasising the value of nurturing young sporting talent across the country.
“The sports-talent of our youth, including that of the tribal communities, forms an invaluable social capital for our nation. I am confident that, by harnessing this priceless resource effectively, our country will establish numerous glorious benchmarks of excellence in the field of sports. With this confidence, my message is: Khelo India! Khoob Khelo India!”