Hon’ble Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, today visited Raipur as part of the ongoing Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026, describing the atmosphere as one of energy, hope, and transformation. She commended the SAI team for their efforts in organising the event, and noted that the response from athletes, the local community, and the people of the region had been overwhelmingly positive.

With over 2,500 athletes from all states and Union Territories competing across disciplines, Smt. Khadse said KITG 2026 reflects the Central Government’s commitment to giving tribal youth a platform to build their futures. For the people of this region, she said, the Games represent a new hope a signal that their potential is being recognised and invested in at the highest level.

“There was a time when Chhattisgarh was known for Naxalism, and its people were perceived as a backward community. Today, I feel a new direction is opening up for this region. Naxalism has been eliminated, and through sport, the youth of this land can now bring their energy and potential forward and play for this nation.” Shared Hon’ble Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports

The Minister credited the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah who has declared Naxalism eradicated from across the country Cabinet Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and the entire SAI team for making KITG 2026 a landmark initiative. She expressed full confidence that many of the athletes competing at these Games will go on to represent India at the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.

Hon’ble Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse also spotlighted the transformational impact of the Asmita League, launched in 2021 under Prime Minister Modi’s vision to bring women from rural India into competitive sport and give them an identity and an opportunity. 

“At KITG 2026, the results are emphatic: approximately 60 to 70% of the girls competing in hockey and football are medal-winning Asmita League alumni, including standout athlete Anjali Munda. All five gold medals won in swimming were also clinched by Asmita League athletes.” added Hon’ble Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse 

“Our endeavour continues to take the Asmita League further down to the grassroots village level so that the participation of women in sport only keeps growing,” she said.

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Ayushman Kumar

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