Talent Exists In Tribal Regions, But Needs Right Ecosystem To Flourish, Say Mary Kom, Bhaichung Bhutia

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the first Khelo India Tribal Games, in Raipur, the two legendary sports personalities said that the tribal communities naturally have immense sporting talent and it has already been established.

Northeast particularly produced so many athletes who have represented India brilliantly and brought the country to the world stage, they said.

Reflecting on how environment and access play a defining role in shaping athletes, the football icon Bhutia recalled his own early days, saying, “See, when I talk about where I come from, I always say this everywhere, when you are from Northeast you do two things: football or music. That was my environment. Growing up, no other sport was played by other kids around me. Football was the culture in Sikkim, in every village, every town”.

Mr. Bhutia was the first batch of SAI (Sports Authority of India) products in 1986.

“Investing in the grassroot level is the need, but we tend to overlook that and only focus on the top level”, he said.

He emphasized the need for sustained attention at the base of the sporting pyramid.

He stressed that while initiatives like Khelo India Tribal Games are a strong starting point, long-term success hinges on strengthening the foundation of sports in the country.

Echoing Mr. Bhutia’s views, Ms. Kom praised the Khelo India Tribal Games, calling it a transformative initiative that can bridge long-standing gaps in access and awareness.

The star boxer from Manipur highlighted how government-backed programmes have begun to change the landscape.

“Today, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Khelo India and Fit India programmes, children are slowly taking the initiative, participating, and representing the country”, she said.

She suggested adding more disciplines in the future Khelo India Tribal Games.