They urge families to trade screens for sports, boost tribal sporting excellence
Srinagar : Six-time world boxing champion Mary Kom and former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia highlighted the critical role of grassroots development in shaping future sports talent while speaking to reporters at the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 in Raipur on Friday.
Both sporting icons urged Indian families to reduce children’s screen time and encourage them to spend more hours on playgrounds to explore and excel in various sports disciplines. Bhutia emphasized that structured training from a young age is essential for success, citing the need to emulate world-class systems in countries like China and the United States.
“I have been a product of the first batch of Sports Authority of India (SAI) trainees in 1986. Investing at the grassroots is vital, yet often overlooked in favor of elite-level focus,” Bhutia said. He underlined that tribal regions possess abundant athletic talent, which requires proper infrastructure and coaching support to flourish
“This is just the beginning. In the coming years, we will see a surge of athletes from tribal communities making their mark nationally and internationally,” he added.
Mary Kom lauded the KITG as a transformative platform bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. “Our tribal communities have enormous potential. Earlier, they lacked platforms and awareness, which limited the progress of many talented children,” said the 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist. She noted that initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India, backed by the government, are gradually empowering young athletes to participate and represent the country.
Kom emphasized that while opportunities are improving, discipline, perseverance, and commitment remain crucial. She also urged the Union Government to expand the range of sports disciplines at future editions of KITG to further harness the potential of tribal athletes across India.
The inaugural edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games, hosted by Chhattisgarh from March 25 to April 3, 2026, featured over 3,800 participants from 30 States and Union Territories competing across seven competitive sports—Archery, Athletics, Football, Hockey, Swimming, Weightlifting, and Wrestling—and two demonstration sports, Mallakhamb and Kabaddi, held in Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Ambikapur.
