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First Khelo India Tribal Games to Kick-Off on Feb 14 - New Logo and Mascot Unveiled

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 10:01 GMT by mykhel

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First Khelo India Tribal Games to Kick‑Off on Feb 14 – New Logo and Mascot Unveiled

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in partnership with Khelo India, has officially launched the first edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG). The event is slated to begin on 14 February 2024 and will run for ten days, showcasing the sporting talent of tribal athletes from across India. A fresh, vibrant logo and an endearing mascot were unveiled at the launch, signaling a bold step toward creating a dedicated platform for indigenous sportspeople.

1. The Birth of a New Sporting Tradition

Khelo India, launched in 2020, was designed to discover and nurture grassroots talent, with a special focus on the youth and the under‑represented. The Tribal Games are an outgrowth of this vision. By dedicating a whole edition to athletes hailing from tribal communities, the Ministry hopes to:

• Provide a national stage for athletes who have traditionally been overlooked.
• Encourage participation in sports that blend modern competition with traditional tribal games.
• Offer pathways to higher-level national and international competitions.
• Promote health, discipline, and self‑confidence among tribal youth.

The first edition is being held in Chhattisgarh, a state with a large tribal population. The state’s capital, Raipur, and surrounding villages have been prepared to host the events, with the main venue at the newly constructed Kohli Sports Complex.

2. Logo and Mascot – A Symbolic Fusion

The Logo

The newly unveiled logo is a stylised “K” that merges the modern sports motif of a dynamic line with traditional tribal patterns etched in the background. The colour palette is dominated by forest green and golden hue, symbolising the verdant landscapes of tribal regions and the “golden future” that sports promises. The emblem also features subtle nods to traditional masks and drum beats, paying homage to the cultural roots of the participants.

The Mascot

The mascot, christened “Khelu” (a playful blend of “khel” meaning play and “alu” meaning young), is a friendly, anthropomorphic tribal youth. Khelu is depicted wearing a traditional dhoti and a colourful shawl, clutching a swinging club that hints at both the sporting and cultural identity of the community. The mascot’s bright smile and energetic stance convey optimism and resilience—qualities that the event aims to nurture in the athletes.

Both the logo and mascot were officially approved by the Khelo India board after a competitive design brief that invited artists from across India to capture the essence of tribal sport.

3. Event Details – What to Expect

The schedule was released in a joint press conference held on 30 January, with the official programme detailing daily sessions, rest days, and cultural performances interwoven throughout.

4. Voices from the Frontlines

Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Secretary:
> “The Tribal Games are not just another sporting event; they are a celebration of resilience, tradition, and potential. We are proud to give tribal athletes a platform that reflects their heritage while propelling them into national recognition.”

Khelo India CEO:
> “The launch of the new logo and mascot is a testament to the inclusive spirit of the program. Every element has been carefully crafted to represent both the vibrancy of Indian sports and the cultural depth of tribal communities.”

Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh (at the launch):
> “Chhattisgarh’s villages have long been a cradle of athleticism. This event will inspire the next generation of young tribal athletes to dream bigger and achieve more.”

5. Why This Matters

• Talent Discovery: The Games serve as a scouting platform for the Indian national teams across various sports. Many past Khelo India athletes have transitioned into the national fold, and the Tribal Games aim to replicate this success for a demographically distinct cohort.

• Socio‑Economic Impact: By encouraging sports participation, the initiative indirectly promotes education, health, and economic upliftment among tribal populations.

• Cultural Preservation: The inclusion of indigenous games showcases cultural heritage to a national audience, fostering pride and cultural exchange.

• Infrastructure Development: The event has accelerated the construction of sports complexes in tribal regions, creating long‑term facilities that can be used for training and community recreation.

6. How to Follow the Games

• Official Live Updates: The Khelo India Tribal Games’ dedicated webpage (link provided in the article) offers real‑time scores, athlete profiles, and a photo gallery.
• Social Media: Follow @KheloIndia on Twitter and Instagram for behind‑the‑scenes content and athlete interviews.
• Television: Doordarshan’s “Khelo India” channel will broadcast all finals and key matches live.
• Mobile App: The Khelo India app (available on Google Play and Apple App Store) will feature a live scoreboard, event notifications, and a community forum.

7. Looking Ahead

The first edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games sets a precedent for inclusive sporting opportunities. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that talent, irrespective of geographical or cultural background, can shine on the national stage. As the games unfold, all eyes will be on how many tribal athletes emerge as future stars of Indian sports.

With a blend of robust competition, cultural celebration, and forward‑looking infrastructure, the Khelo India Tribal Games promise to be a milestone event—both for the athletes and for the nation’s sporting landscape.