CANACONA: The 9th State level tribal sports festival will be held from January 9 to 11, 2026, at Adarsh Gram, Amone-Canacona, continuing Goa’s long-running initiative to promote sports among tribal youth.
Organised by the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA) under the Tribal Sub-Plan, the festival has been conducted annually since 2011 and has emerged as a key platform for identifying and nurturing sporting talent from the Scheduled Tribes community.
Around 1,648 players, along with 240 officials and support staff from all 12 talukas, are expected to participate. Competitions will be held in kabaddi, kho-kho, volleyball and tennis ball cricket for men and women, along with traditional sports such as tug-of-war, langadi and lagori at the taluka level.
Winners in kabaddi, kho-kho, volleyball and tennis ball cricket will receive cash prizes of Rs 25,000 for first place, Rs 20,000 for second and Rs 15,000 for third, along with trophies and certificates.
An All India Marathon Race, with over 1,000 participants expected, will also be organised during the festival.
The event will be held in line with Lokostav and was announced by Sports and Tribal Welfare Minister Dr Ramesh Tawadkar, DSYA Director and SAG Executive Director Dr Ajay Gaude, and DSYA Deputy Director Dr Vivek Pawar.
9th State level tribal sports festival from January 9 to 11 at Canacona
