Khelo India Tribal Games: Government's 'Talent Hunt' or a Spectacle for Tribal Youth?

RAIPUR: The Khelo India Tribal Games are being positioned as a long-term talent identification and development platform for tribal athletes, with Chhattisgarh set to remain its host state.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) deputy director general Mayank Srivastava said the initiative was launched to address a lack of sporting opportunities for certain sections of society, particularly in tribal regions, and to bring more young people into constructive engagement through sports. Under the Khelo India talent identification and development vertical, selection is not limited to one tournament. Committee also scout athletes at other competitions.

During the Tribal Games, committee representatives will assess participants and identify promising talent, the DDG told TOI. Those selected may be called for trials and can either be inducted as Khelo India athletes or sent directly to Sports Authority of India National Centres of Excellence.

If the number of athletes is large or placement at NCOEs is not possible, they can be accommodated at SAI Training Centres, where they receive free training.

Shrivastava said athletes chosen under Khelo India on the basis of talent are provided scholarships and training support. In addition to NCOEs, there are more than 300 Khelo India-accredited training centres across the country where athletes can train, or they may make their own arrangements. In such cases, the government provides financial assistance of nearly Rs 5 lakh to scholarship holders. On the issue of government job quotas for outstanding tribal games athletes, he clarified that the matter does not fall directly under their jurisdiction.

However, he noted that governments generally reserve jobs for athletes who meet the required criteria, including winning medals at national and international level competitions. He also highlighted the infrastructure component of Khelo India, saying Rs 3,000 crore has been allocated under the scheme for sports infrastructure. States are also developing their own facilities alongside central support. According to the officials, all states are utilising Khelo India infrastructure provisions and there is no broad shortage of sports infrastructure in the country.

They added that infrastructure will continue to be strengthened, especially if events such as the Tribal Games are held regularly.

The broader objective, he said, is youth engagement. Sports were described as the most effective and constructive form of engagement for young people, meeting their need for excitement, competition and physical activity. He argued that greater participation in sports can help steer youth away from destructive ideas.

As an example, they pointed to the Bastar Olympics, where surrendered Naxals reportedly participated actively and demand for sports kits rose in Jagdalpur.

Tribal Games are only the beginning and will now be held every year in the state. He stressed that tribal communities possess significant sporting talent and that the new platform will help identify athletes, place them on a development pathway, provide training and tournament exposure, and improve their chances of being noticed at higher levels. Existing centres in Bilaspur and Raipur, along with SAI facilities, are expected to support that process.