Bhaichung Bhutia Praises Khelo India Tribal Games for Empowering Young Athletes

Khelo India Tribal Games: A Platform for Tribal Athletes

Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 3: Renowned former Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia has commended the Khelo India Tribal Games, describing them as an excellent opportunity for athletes from tribal backgrounds. He emphasized the significant potential for sports development in these regions.

In the recent competition, the host state of Chhattisgarh secured ninth place in the overall medal standings, achieving 3 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze medals. Karnataka emerged as the overall champion with an impressive haul of 23 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze medals. Odisha followed closely in second place, amassing 21 gold, 15 silver, and 21 bronze medals, making them the only team to surpass 50 total medals with a total of 57. Jharkhand finished third with 16 gold, 8 silver, and 11 bronze medals.

During a media interaction, Bhutia noted that tribal communities are inherently athletic and expressed hope that this competition would serve as a significant platform for aspiring tribal athletes aiming to represent India in the future.

He stated, “Khelo India is a commendable initiative by both the Indian and Chhattisgarh governments. The tribal communities in India have a rich sporting culture, as evidenced by their medal wins here. There is immense potential in these areas, and this initiative will provide opportunities for talented individuals. I believe it will become a major platform for many young tribal athletes to participate and aspire to represent the nation in the coming years.”

Previously, six-time World Championship medallist Mary Kom and Bhutia highlighted the necessity of investing in grassroots sports and establishing structured development pathways while addressing the media at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026.

To nurture future champions, both sports icons stressed the importance of encouraging children to engage in sports rather than spending excessive time on screens.

Bhutia, a legendary figure in Indian football, pointed out that while initiatives like the Khelo India Tribal Games are promising beginnings, the long-term success of sports in India relies on strengthening the foundational aspects. He reflected on his own experiences, crediting the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for supporting young athletes during a time when sports infrastructure was still developing.

“I was part of the first batch of SAI in 1986. Investing in grassroots is crucial, yet we often neglect it, focusing instead on elite levels,” Bhutia remarked, stressing the need for ongoing support at the base of the sports hierarchy.

He acknowledged the abundant talent in tribal regions, which requires the right environment to thrive.

“Tribal communities possess significant sporting talent, as seen particularly in the Northeast, where numerous athletes have excelled on the global stage. Providing young people with a platform is essential. I believe that in the future, we will witness many more athletes from tribal backgrounds emerging, and this is just the beginning,” he added.

Bhutia also shared insights on how the environment and accessibility shape athletes, recalling his upbringing. “In the Northeast, you typically engage in either football or music. That was my reality. Growing up, football was the predominant sport in Sikkim, played in every village and town,” he explained.

Mary Kom echoed Bhutia's sentiments, praising the Khelo India Tribal Games as a transformative initiative that can address longstanding gaps in access and awareness.

“I want to congratulate the Chhattisgarh Government for launching the Khelo India Tribal Games here. I wholeheartedly support this initiative because our tribal communities have immense potential. In the past, they lacked platforms like this, and awareness was limited, which hindered many talented children from progressing,” said the 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist boxer.

She also noted how government-supported programs are beginning to reshape the sporting landscape.

“Thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Khelo India and Fit India initiatives, children are gradually taking the initiative to participate and represent the country. This is a significant development for the future of sports in India,” she concluded.