Goa to Hold Selection Trials for Khelo India Tribal Games 2026

Team Goemkarponn

PANAJI: The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs will conduct selection trials to identify Goan athletes for participation in the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, which are scheduled to be held in Chhattisgarh from mid February 2026. The initiative aims to promote tribal sports and provide a national platform for talented athletes from tribal communities.

The trials will be open to men and women players in the open category and will be organised at various Sports Authority of Goa facilities across the state. Interested players have been requested to report to the respective SAG coaches at the designated venues on the scheduled dates and times.

Selection trials for archery will be held at the Ponda Sports Complex, while hockey trials are scheduled at the Hockey Ground at Peddem Sports Complex in Mapusa. Wrestling aspirants will be assessed at the Indoor Stadium at Peddem Sports Complex, Mapusa. Swimming trials will take place at the Campal Swimming Pool, and weightlifting trials will be conducted at the Indoor Stadium in Campal.

Football trials will be organised at the Atal Stadium in Cujira, Bambolim. The men’s football trials are scheduled for January 15 at 3.30 pm, while the women’s trials will be held on January 16 at 3.30 pm. Several other disciplines are also slated to be covered as part of the selection process to ensure wide participation.

The Khelo India Tribal Games is a flagship national initiative focused on preserving traditional tribal games while encouraging competitive sports among tribal youth. The upcoming edition is expected to bring together athletes from across the country, offering exposure, recognition and opportunities for further development.

The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs has urged eligible players to participate actively in the trials and make use of this opportunity to represent Goa at the national level. Detailed information regarding venues, schedules and eligibility is available on the official website of the Directorate.

Through these trials, the state aims to identify promising talent and strengthen Goa’s representation at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, reinforcing its commitment to sports development and inclusion of tribal communities.