The first ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 concluded in Chhattisgarh in early April 2026, with Karnataka emerging as the overall champion. The inaugural multi-sport event was held from 25 March to 3 April 2026 across venues in Raipur, Jagdalpur and Surguja, bringing together around 3,800 tribal athletes from 30 States and Union Territories in nine sporting disciplines. The final medal tally saw Karnataka on top with 23 gold, 8 silver and 7 bronze medals, followed by Odisha with 21 gold, 15 silver and 21 bronze, and Jharkhand in third place with 16 gold, 8 silver and 11 bronze. Host state Chhattisgarh finished ninth with 3 gold, 10 silver and 6 bronze medals. The games were organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the umbrella of the Khelo India scheme in partnership with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Government of Chhattisgarh, and are envisaged as an annual platform for talent identification and grassroots sport development among tribal communities. Disciplines included archery, kabaddi, kho-kho, football, hockey, athletics, volleyball and indigenous sports. Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, speaking at the closing ceremony, said the games align with the governments Viksit Bharat vision and its commitment to PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), and will feed into the broader Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) talent pipeline for future international events, including the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.