Assam’s Pallavi Payeng wins silver medal at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026.

More About the News

• Pallavi Payeng, a weightlifter from Assam’s Mising community, secured silver medal in the women’s 69 kilogram category.
• Event: Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games held in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

About Pallavi Payeng

• Began weightlifting journey in 2018.
• Achieved success in state-level competitions.
• Faced challenges:
  • COVID-19 disruption
  • Motherhood break
• Successfully made a strong comeback, reflecting resilience and determination.

About Khelo India Tribal Games

• A national-level multi-sport event dedicated exclusively to tribal athletes.
• Operates under the Khelo India Programme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• Objective: To provide a national platform for talent identification. 
  • Talent Identification and Development Committee (TIDC) scouts promising athletes for advanced training under the Khelo India framework.
• Hosted in Chhattisgarh across: Raipur, Jagdalpur & Surguja
• Jointly managed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations and the Chhattisgarh state organising committee.
• Official mascot: Morveer (In Chhattisgarhi ‘Mor’ means our own and ‘Veer’ means bravery).
  • It symbolises pride, spirit and the identity of India’s tribal communities.
• The event featured:
  • Seven medal sports athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming and wrestling.
  • Demonstration events such as mallakhamb and kabaddi.

Key Takeaways

• Pallavi Payeng’s success is an inspiration for women and tribal athletes.
• Khelo India Tribal Games is a platform for inclusive sports development.
• Demonstrates importance of grassroots talent identification.

Exam Hook (Prelims-Oriented MCQ)

Consider the following statements:

1. Khelo India Tribal Games aim to promote sports among tribal communities.
2. The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
3. It is exclusively meant for Olympic-level athletes.

Which of the statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

One-line wrap: Pallavi Payeng’s silver medal highlights the success of inclusive sports initiatives in empowering tribal talent in India.

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