For the India’s inclusive sports development with the unveiling of the logo, theme song, and mascot of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games in Bilaspur. The ceremony held at the Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium marked the formal countdown to the first-ever national-level sports event dedicated exclusively to tribal athletes, scheduled to begin on February 14, 2026. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya described the Games as a critical platform to strengthen India’s sports talent pipeline by bringing tribal youth into the national sports mainstream.
Unveiling Ceremony in Bilaspur
- The launch ceremony was attended by senior political and sports administrators, including Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, and officials from the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
- Representatives from the Sports Authority of India and state authorities were also present.
- Chhattisgarh’s selection as the host state is significant, as it has a large tribal population and a deep-rooted tradition of indigenous sports and physical culture.
- Hosting the first edition places the state at the centre of India’s evolving sports ecosystem.
Morveer Mascot and Its Cultural Significance
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the official mascot Morveer, a symbol deeply rooted in Chhattisgarhi culture. The name blends two powerful ideas,
- ‘Mor’, meaning mine or our own, and ‘Veer’, symbolizing bravery and valour.
- Morveer represents the collective pride, resilience, and courage of tribal communities, making it more than a sporting symbol. For exam aspirants, this cultural linkage is important as it reflects how sports policy is increasingly aligned with regional identity and social inclusion.
Sports Disciplines and Event Structure
- The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games will feature seven competitive sports disciplines that align with both traditional strengths and Olympic pathways.
- These include archery, athletics, football, hockey, wrestling, swimming, and weightlifting.
- In addition, two demonstration sports showcasing India’s indigenous sporting traditions will be included, highlighting the Games cultural dimension.
- Importantly, the technical conduct of the Games will follow international standards, ensuring that performance assessment, officiating, and athlete benchmarking meet global norms.
Background of the Khelo India Tribal Games
- The Khelo India Tribal Games are a new addition to the broader Khelo India Scheme, which aims to promote mass participation and achieve sporting excellence across India.
- While earlier Khelo India formats focused on youth, university, winter, para, and beach sports, this initiative addresses a long standing gap by focusing on tribal-dominated regions, which have historically produced raw sporting talent but lacked structured support.
- In 2020, the Khelo India Games were declared an “Event of National Importance” under the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, 2007, underlining the programme’s strategic national value.
Talent Identification and Athlete Support
- One of the most impactful aspects of the Khelo India Tribal Games is its talent identification framework.
- Athletes who perform exceptionally will be inducted as Khelo India Athletes, making them eligible for scholarships of ₹5 lakh per year for eight years.
- This long-term support model includes financial assistance, professional coaching, sports science backing, and structured training pathways, ensuring that talent discovered at the grassroots level is not lost due to lack of resources.
- This approach directly addresses a key challenge in Indian sports development.
Key Takeaways
- Khelo India Tribal Games are exclusively dedicated to tribal athletes.
- The first edition begins on February 14, 2026, hosted by Chhattisgarh.
- Morveer mascot symbolizes tribal pride and courage.
- Top athletes receive ₹5 lakh annual scholarships for eight years.
- The Games operate under the Khelo India Scheme, an Event of National Importance.
Question
Q. What is the name of the official mascot of the Khelo India Tribal Games?
A. Veeraj
B. Dhanveer
C. Morveer
D. Adiva