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Hockey India Chief Hails Khelo India Tribal Games as Platform for Talent

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games have commenced in Chhattisgarh, featuring participation from 30 states and union territories across seven medal sports and two demonstration events. Hockey India President and former Olympian Dilip Tirkey praised the initiative as a magnificent platform for tribal athletes to showcase their immense talent. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating the games align with the vision of preparing tribal children to compete in the 2036 Olympics. The event, with over 3,800 participants, will award 106 gold medals before concluding on April 3.

Key Points: Khelo India Tribal Games: Dilip Tirkey Praises Platform for Athletes

  • First-ever Khelo India Tribal Games launched
  • 30 states & UTs participating across 9 sports
  • Aim to identify talent for 2036 Olympics
  • Over 3,800 tribal athletes expected
  • 106 gold medals to be awarded
3 min read

'Great platform for athletes': Hockey India Prez on Khelo India Tribal Games​

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey calls the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games an excellent platform to showcase tribal athletic talent for the 2036 Olympics.

"Tribal athletes possess immense talent, and now they have a magnificent platform to showcase their abilities. - Dilip Tirkey"

Raipur, March 25

As the inaugural edition of Khelo India Tribal Games kicked off in Chhattisgarh, the Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey hailed it as an "excellent platform" for inspiring athletes from the tribal community.​

The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games, being held from March 25-April 6, commenced in 3 cities of Chhattisgarh - Raipur, Jagdalpur and Sarguja on Wednesday. The Games will be held in seven medal sports - athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming, and wrestling- and two demonstration sports - mallakhamb and kabaddi.​

Sharing his views on the notable event, the Hockey India President and former Olympian Dilip Tirkey told IANS, "The Khelo India Tribal Games are being organised in Chhattisgarh for the first time. Tribal athletes possess immense talent, and now they have a magnificent platform to showcase their abilities. The SAI (Sports Authority of India) selection committee is visiting the venue to identify and select the most outstanding athletes."​

Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the initiative, he stated, "It is his vision that an increasing number of tribal children should excel in sports. The objective is to see these children compete in the 2036 Olympics. The Khelo India Tribal Games are being organised with this very vision in mind. These games will instil a sense of self-confidence among tribal children."​

He further stated, "Sports play a pivotal role in improving our society. Tribal athletes have also secured employment opportunities under the sports quota. Sports have truly empowered tribal children to move forward in life."​

Notably, in the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games, 30 states and Union Territories are participating across nine disciplines. Medals will be awarded in Archery, Athletics, Football, Hockey, Swimming, Weightlifting, and Wrestling.​

The exhibition events will feature traditional sports such as Mallakhamb and Kabaddi. Approximately 3,800 participants are expected to take part in this competition. The event is scheduled to conclude on April 3.​

These games are being hosted across three cities in Chhattisgarh: Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Surguja. Chhattisgarh, along with Odisha, Jharkhand, and Assam, is likely to have the largest representation in these Games. More than 100 athletes from each of these states will participate.​

A total of 106 gold medals will be awarded at the Khelo India Tribal Games. The highest number of 34 medals will be up for grabs in athletics, while double-digit numbers of gold medals will be in contention in disciplines like Swimming (24), Wrestling (18), Weightlifting (16), and Archery (10).​

The athletics events will take place in Jagdalpur, while the wrestling competitions will be held in Surguja.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Including traditional sports like Mallakhamb and Kabaddi is brilliant. It celebrates our indigenous games while also providing a path to mainstream sports. Well done, SAI and the government!
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows sports development, this is a strategic move. Identifying talent at the grassroots, especially from underrepresented communities, is key to building a strong sporting nation. The 2036 Olympics target is ambitious but exciting!
V
Vikram M
Dilip Tirkey is the perfect person to champion this. He himself comes from a tribal background and knows the struggle. His words carry weight. Hope the selection process is fair and transparent.
R
Rohit P
Good step, but the real test is sustainability. Will there be continuous support, training, and funding for the athletes identified? Or is this just a one-off event? The vision for 2036 needs a solid roadmap.
K
Kavya N
Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam... makes sense these states have high participation. Their tribal populations have rich sporting traditions. Wishing all the 3800 participants the very best! May the best athletes win. 🏅
M
Michael C
The employment angle is crucial. Sports should be a viable career. If athletes can secure jobs through sports quotas, it

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