144 Wrestlers from 30 States to Compete at Ambikapur’s Gandhi Stadium; Event to be Broadcast Live on DD Sports
Published on: March 27, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur/Ambikapur, India
The historic town of Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh’s Surguja district is all set to host the wrestling competition of the country’s first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, beginning March 28. The four-day national sporting event will witness participation from tribal athletes across India, marking a significant step toward promoting indigenous sporting talent at the national level.
The wrestling matches will be held at the Gandhi Stadium in Ambikapur, where 144 male and female wrestlers representing nearly 30 states will showcase their strength, skills, and competitive spirit. The event aims to provide a national platform to tribal athletes from remote and forest regions, helping them gain recognition and exposure in mainstream sports.
National Gathering of Tribal Talent
Athletes from Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Gujarat, Odisha, Mizoram, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and host state Chhattisgarh, among others, will participate in the competition.
Officials stated that the event represents a major opportunity for tribal youth to demonstrate their sporting excellence and inspire local players to pursue professional careers in wrestling and other sports disciplines.
Four-Day Competition in Three Daily Sessions
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The wrestling competition will run from March 28 to March 31 and will be conducted in three sessions each day to ensure smooth management for athletes and spectators:
- First Session: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Second Session: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Third Session: 4:00 PM onwards till completion of matches
The structured schedule is expected to enhance audience engagement while ensuring adequate rest and preparation time for participating wrestlers.
Live Telecast on DD Sports
Carrying the inspirational theme “India’s Tribal Sports, Beautiful Chhattisgarh Fair,” the event has generated considerable excitement among sports enthusiasts. Matches will be telecast live on DD Sports and Prasar Bharati platforms, allowing viewers across the country and abroad to witness the sporting spectacle unfolding in Surguja.
Preparations Completed; Athletes Welcomed
The Chhattisgarh Sports Department has completed all logistical arrangements, including accommodation, food, medical facilities, and security for athletes and officials. Authorities have emphasized that the state is ready to extend traditional hospitality under the spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava.
With large-scale participation and national attention, Ambikapur is poised to emerge as a new hub of tribal sporting excellence, reinforcing Chhattisgarh’s commitment to nurturing grassroots talent and promoting inclusive sports development.
