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Dilip Kumar Tirkey, the President of Hockey India, has emphasized the need for increased participation of tribal youth in hockey. He supports the establishment of a national tribal team aimed at nurturing talent and enhancing the sport's grassroots presence. In a recent statement, Tirkey pointed out that exposing tribal children to hockey could significantly influence the development of future players. He remarked, "Creating a National tribal team would be a positive step, sparking greater interest and passion among these children, leading to the emergence of more players in the future."

Khelo India Tribal Games: A New Platform

Chhattisgarh is preparing to host the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) starting Wednesday. Esteemed Indian athletes, including hockey Olympians Dilip Tirkey and Salima Tete, along with top sprinter Animesh Kujur, have praised the Games as an excellent opportunity for tribal communities to pursue careers in sports.

The Khelo India Tribal Games will feature participants from thirty states and Union Territories, showcasing nine different sports. Events will include archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling, with traditional sports like mallakhamb and kabaddi included as demonstration events. Approximately 3,800 athletes are expected to compete, with the Games concluding on April 3. Competitions will take place across three cities: Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Sarguja.

A 'Proud First' for Indian Sports

Dilip Tirkey, who is also a former Olympian, expressed that this championship marks a significant milestone for Indian sports, providing a robust platform for youth, particularly tribal athletes, to display their skills. He noted that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of transforming India into a sporting nation by encouraging youth engagement in sports. Tirkey stated, "It is a matter of immense pride that this championship is being launched for the first time in our country. It presents a fantastic opportunity for all youth and tribal players to demonstrate their talent and advance in sports, ultimately representing the nation."

Games by the Numbers: Participation and Medals

Chhattisgarh, along with Odisha, Jharkhand, and Assam, will have a significant presence at the Games, with each state contributing over 100 athletes. The gender distribution among participants will be nearly equal, adhering to the Olympic charter's principle of gender neutrality.

A total of 106 gold medals will be contested, with athletics offering the highest number at 34. Other sports with substantial gold medal opportunities include swimming (24), wrestling (18), weightlifting (16), and archery (10).

Venues and Sports Distribution

Raipur will host the team sports of hockey and football, while athletics will take place in Jagdalpur, and wrestling will be conducted in Sarguja.