The Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports (DYAS), Manipur, successfully concluded the Final State Level Selection Trial in football for the 1st edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games at the Astro Turf Ground in Senapati.

The selection trials were conducted in the open age category for both men and women. A total of 36 Scheduled Tribe (ST) women and 46 ST men players from various districts of the state participated in the final round. The trials were held under the supervision of the District Youth Affairs and Sports Office, Senapati, along with expert sports mentors from different districts.

Following the final selection, 22 players each in the men’s and women’s football categories were selected to represent Manipur in the 1st edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games, 2026. The national-level event is scheduled to be held in Chhattisgarh from February 14, 2026.

The final round was preceded by rigorous pre-selection trials conducted on January 5, 2026, across multiple venues, including Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi; Chandel Sports Complex; Tuibong Peace Ground, Churachandpur; and Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Imphal.

The Khelo India Tribal Games aim to promote sports among tribal communities, identify emerging talent, and provide athletes with opportunities for scholarships and financial support to nurture their sporting careers.