Karnataka Wins Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games

Karnataka emerged as the overall champions of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games, securing 23 gold, eight silver and seven bronze medals, as the 10-day event concluded in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on Friday. The competition, held across three cities in the state, featured nearly 3,800 athletes from 30 states and union territories competing in nine disciplines, including archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting and wrestling, with mallakhamb and kabaddi as demonstration sports.

Odisha finished second with 21 gold, 15 silver and 21 bronze medals, totaling 57 and marking the only contingent to surpass 50 medals overall. Jharkhand placed third with 16 gold, eight silver and 11 bronze. Host Chhattisgarh ranked ninth, earning three gold, 10 silver and six bronze medals. A total of 106 gold medals were awarded, with 25 states and union territories appearing on the medal tally and 20 claiming at least one gold, underscoring the depth of talent among tribal athletes nationwide.

Karnataka dominated from the outset, particularly in swimming where they won 15 gold, five silver and three bronze, followed by five gold in athletics and three in wrestling. Standout...