Raipur : The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games in Chhattisgarh have ignited excitement across tribal regions, providing young athletes a national platform to showcase their talent while inspiring thousands of local children to dream big to represent India.
The Games are being held across Raipur, Jagdalpur (Bastar), and Ambikapur (Surguja) and feature over 3,000 athletes and officials from nearly 30 states and Union Territories.
For many locals, seeing athletes perform at a high level has been a rare and motivating experience. Officials say the event aims to give tribal youth recognition and opportunities, bridging gaps that previously limited their exposure to national sports competitions.
Weightlifting has become one of the main attractions in Raipur. Fourteen-year-old Lenin Priya, from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, competing in the 58 kg category.
“I have participated in many local competitions, but Khelo India is completely different. The facilities, the coaching, and the level of competition are far higher than anything I have experienced before,’ she said.
Priya said that her parents have supported her through her journey, and being here is a dream come true. Seeing athletes from across India compete inspires me to train harder every day.
“I want to go further, represent my state, and one day, my country at international competitions. This platform has given me hope that our dreams are not limited to our villages,” she added.
Another weightlifter, Jessy Rani, 17, also from Andhra Pradesh, competing in the 77 kg category, said, “Being part of these Games is a proud moment for me.
“Watching athletes perform pushes me to improve my own skills. We learn a lot just by observing otherstheir techniques, their discipline, and their focus. It is not just a competition; it is an opportunity for recognition and encouragement,” she added.
Local athletes also praised the platform provided by the Games. Kamini Rajput, a local competitor and volunteer, said, “These Games are extremely important for local youth.
“Earlier, many talented athletes did not get exposure because major events were dominated by participants from big cities. This event is changing that. There are still gaps in infrastructure and coaching, but this is the beginning,” she said.
Kamini said they hope that more local tribal athletes take part and win medals in future editions. Chhattisgarh has faced many challenges over decades, and these Games are a chance to bring pride to our communities, she added.
Hansa Sahu, another local athlete from Raipur said Khelo India games will boost tourism and bring attention to our districts.
“The Games are not just about winning; they are about showing that talent exists in every corner of our state. We hope these Games continue and grow every year,” she said.
Similarly, Yuvakant Sinha said that games have already inspired schoolchildren and local communities, with many practicing athletics, wrestling, kabaddi, and weightlifting after watching the competitions.
“We hope that in future we can see that athletes from Chhattisgarh will represent India in Olympics,” he added.
A senior official from the Chhattisgarh Sports Authority said that goal is to give tribal athletes a platform where their talent is recognized and nurtured.
“These youth have immense potential, and we want to ensure they get the training and opportunities needed to compete at national and international levels,” he said.
