Raipur, March 01: Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse on Wednesday said regions once affected by Naxalism are witnessing a massive transformation through sports, bringing new hope and opportunities for the youth. Speaking at Jagdalpur during the ongoing Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, Khadse described the atmosphere in the Bastar region as vibrant and filled with optimism.
The Minister praised the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for successfully organising the event. She noted that feedback from athletes and local communities has been overwhelmingly positive, signalling a shift from conflict to development.
More than 2,500 athletes from various states and Union Territories are participating in the Games. Khadse stated that the initiative reflects the Central Government’s commitment to nurturing tribal talent and providing a national platform for their growth.
Khadse remarked that areas once known for unrest are now progressing toward peace through athletics. She noted that with improved security and infrastructure, youth now have the opportunity to channel their energy into sports and aspire to represent India at international levels.
The Minister credited the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for supporting initiatives that promote youth development in tribal belts.
Highlighting the impact of the ‘Asmita League’ launched in 2021, Khadse said the programme has successfully encouraged women from rural areas to enter competitive sports. A significant number of female athletes in hockey, weightlifting, and football at the current Games are products of this league.
Athletes such as Anjali Munda have emerged as standout performers, while all five gold medals in swimming were secured by participants associated with the Asmita League. The Minister confirmed that efforts are underway to expand the league to the village level to further enhance grassroots participation.
Khadse added that many athletes competing at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 have the potential to represent India at the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. She termed this a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward becoming a global sporting power.