The 9th edition of the State-Level Tribal Sports Festival will be held from 9th to 11th January 2026 at Adarsh Gram, Amone, Canacona.
As part of Government of India’s special policy for the upliftment of Scheduled Tribes (ST) community, under the Tribal Sub-Plan, Tribal Sports Festival endeavours promoting sports among the tribal youth.
To further this initiative, Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA), has been organising the State Level Tribal Sports Festival since 2011.
The multi-sport festival has evolved into a major platform for identifying and nurturing sporting talent among the tribal population across the state.
The previous editions of the Tribal Sports Festival have been organized in disciplines such as Volleyball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Tennis Ball Cricket, Tug-of-War, Langadi, Lagori, Vithu Dandu, and other traditional games, under the technical guidance of the respective State Sports Associations.
The details of the Tribal Sports Festival were announced by Sports Minister Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, in the presence of Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director, DSYA and Executive Director, SAG, Dr. Vivek Pawar, Dy. Director, DSYA.
Over 1200 participants from all 12 talukas, supported by around 200 technical officials and sports teachers, have taken part in each edition.
The participation of both men and women has significantly increased over the years, revealing immense sporting potential within the tribal communities.
Around 1648 players, 240 officials and support staff from all 12 talukas are expected to participate in this event across the disciplines of Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Volleyball, and Tennis Ball Cricket in men and women section. Traditional sports like Tug of war, Langdi, Lagori, will be played at Canacona Taluka level.
The winners will be awarded cash prizes and trophies and certificates
(First place – Rs. 25000, Second Place- Rs. 20000, Third place – Rs. 15000 and trophies in the events of Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Volleyball and Tennis Ball Cricket.
The Selection Trials to select Taluka Teams were held on 28th December 2025 at various venues. Trials were conducted under the supervision of APEOs and TSOs, DSYA, SAG & DSYA Coaches and Associations.
Meanwhile, an All India Marathon Race will also be organised during the festival with more than 1000 participants expected.
