President Droupadi Murmu Returns Focus to Tribal Sports Infrastructure From Forest Roots to Global Podiums
In a powerful push for inclusive sporting growth, President Droupadi Murmu has underscored the importance of strengthening non-traditional and tribal sports infrastructure under initiatives like Khelo India

India, known to be a melting pot of a variety of cultures and traditions, is known for its due respect to each of them along every sphere of social life. With mainstream sports making all headlines, the tribal sports have taken a back seat, which needs to be prioritized as done under the Khelo India Tribal Games.
Madam President Shri Droupadi Murmu has written a beautiful article on the importance of non-traditional sports infrastructure in fostering respect for traditional sports. She believes that with initiatives like the Khelo India tribal counterparts, India can actualize its tribal youth sports potential, which shall place the country on a podium in international competitions.
Khelo India prioritization to the Tribal Sports
A total of ₹3184 crore has already been sanctioned for 344 projects dedicated to the tribal counterpart of sports infrastructure under Khelo India .Emphasis was laid upon grassroots sports infrastructure building for youth accessibility without the tagline "forest to the finish line" defining the motive of the project.
Hon'ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji (@rashtrapatibhvn) writes about the immense sporting potential of our tribal youth and how the Khelo India Tribal Games will provide them with essential facilities.
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) April 3, 2026
She emphasises that sustained encouragement to tribal sportspersons can… pic.twitter.com/1ysNG73z6D
Why Tribals shall rule the sporting industry
Anjali Munda, the girl who won 3 gold medals on the first day of the Khelo India Games, has set the precedent for others to follow.The article highlighted the tribals having acclimatization to the ways of nature, which makes them good in almost all sports, ranging from swimming across rivers to archery for food hunting. This makes them have an edge in most of the traditional sporting ventures. The article also talks about the Ekalavya model residential schools built to promote tribal youth in sports. Special emphasis has been given to girl children through the ASMITA scheme.
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