The inaugural Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav, a celebration of traditional sports and tribal culture, commenced at KIIT Deemed to be University in Bhubaneswar with great fervor. More than 5,000 tribal athletes and 1,000 officials from 26 states have gathered for this unique event, a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Culture and the Odisha government. The prestigious occasion, set to conclude on June 12, was graced by dignitaries including Odisha Governor Prof. Ganeshi Lal, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Culture Uma Nanduri, and Founder of KIIT and KISS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta.

KIIT, along with its sister organization KISS, which provides free education to tribal children, considers this event of immense importance. During the opening ceremony, Bheema, the event mascot, was unveiled, and both thrilling sports competitions and cultural activities are scheduled throughout the Mahotsav. Governor Ganeshi Lal highlighted the significance of sports and yoga in fostering unity, while Minister Dharmendra Pradhan commended the government’s efforts in promoting sports and acknowledged the substantial representation of tribal athletes in Indian sports.