Raipur. Chhattisgarh, once known for conflict and Naxalism, is now writing a new chapter of hope and change through sports. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Defence Nikhil Khadse, while encouraging the athletes at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 held in the capital Raipur and Jagdalpur, called this transformation historic.

Tribal athletes are future Olympians.
During his visits to Jagdalpur and Raipur, Minister of State for Defence, Nikhil Khadse, described the more than 2,500 tribal athletes from across the country as "future Olympians." He said that it is due to the commitment of the Central Government that tribal youth have got such a big platform to showcase their talent at the national level. According to him, this event is an indication that the abilities of these youth are now being recognized and honed at the highest level.

The End of Naxalism and the Rise of Sports
In his address, the Minister of State for Sports said, "There was a time when Chhattisgarh was known for Naxalism, but today the situation has changed. Thanks to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Naxalism has been eradicated, and now the youth here are channeling their energy into winning medals for the country through sports." He expressed confidence that athletes from here will represent India in the Olympics and Asian Games in the future.

The impact of the Asmita League is visible.
Minister of State for Defence, Nikhil Khadse, also highlighted the positive impact of the Asmita League. He stated that 60 to 70 percent of the girls participating in this competition have been part of the Asmita League. In particular, all five gold medals won in swimming have been won by players from this league. These players also maintain dominance in hockey, weightlifting, and football. The government's goal is to take this league to the rural level to further increase women's participation in sports.