From forest fields to national podiums: How the tribal community is keeping India’s hockey legacy alive and kicking

Odisha capped a dominant campaign by clinching both the men’s and women’s hockey gold medals at the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 in Raipur, with the finals held at the Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium. The men defeated Jharkhand 4-1 in the final, while the women edged Mizoram 1-0 in a closely-fought summit clash.

Jharkhand men settled for silver, with Chhattisgarh taking bronze, while in the women’s competition, Jharkhand secured a creditable bronze to complete the podium. At the KITG 2026 in Raipur, Odisha’s double gold in men’s and women’s hockey was more than a sporting triumph - it was a powerful reflection of how the game is reshaping lives across the tribal belts of Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

The north-eastern states, always a reservoir of sporting talent, was not left behind with Mizoram making the knockout rounds at KITG 2026. Odisha’s men scripted an emphatic 4-1 win over Jharkhand in the final, while the women edged Mizoram 1-0 in a tense summit clash. Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh also made the podium, underlining the depth of talent emerging from these regions.

But beyond medals, the real story lies deeper - in villages, forests, and communities where hockey has become both identity and opportunity. For decades, hockey has been ingrained in tribal culture. Children fashion sticks from tree branches and play barefoot on uneven grounds. The talent was always there, but the pathway wasn’t. That is now changing.

With Centres of Excellence run by the Union sports ministry and states, improved infrastructure, and structured grassroots programmes, a robust ecosystem is finally taking shape.

Former Olympics hail structured support

Former Olympian Ajit Lakhra, who was part of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics Indian hockey team and is now head coach at the Bilaspur Centre of Excellence, sees this shift first-hand and says, “The entire system, right from grassroots to junior and then senior levels is gradually becoming stronger. Athletes from tribal regions, in particular, are benefiting greatly. Their natural talent is now being refined with proper guidance and training.”

Lakhra believes this structured support is creating a ripple effect. “When children come here, learn and perform well, they inspire others. This is creating a chain, with new players continuously emerging,” he said to SAI Media

Regions once affected by socio-economic challenges and Naxalism are now witnessing a quiet transformation through sport. Hockey is emerging as a bridge, bringing communities into the national mainstream. The sports ministry’s ASMITA programme is engaging more and more women players and bringing them into the mainstream.

Former Olympian Manohar Topno, who was part of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics Indian team and coached both Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh men’s teams, highlighted the grassroots impact of initiatives like the Khelo India Tribal Games.

“I would like to thank SAI for organising this grassroots tournament. The boys and girls from our communities are rising and rebuilding. If we continue like this, one day these players will represent India,” said Topno.

Topno also points to a simple but powerful truth behind the talent pool and adds, “The reason is that our tribal communities play hockey naturally. If we focus on these regions, our players will grow and make the country proud.”

Technology plays a big part

Another significant shift has been the introduction of sports science, physios, and video analysis -- tools once limited to elite setups. Today, even athletes from remote regions are gaining access to professional training environments. This blend of raw, instinctive play with modern coaching is unlocking new levels of performance.

Former Jharkhand player and Hockey India member Asrita Lakra emphasised how these changes are uplifting athletes. “Hockey is deeply ingrained in the blood of kids in these regions, so they are naturally drawn to the sport. Platforms like Khelo India have given them direction,” said Lakra.

She added: “With better facilities, training and exposure, players are now reaching the national level. Their morale has increased, and there is a visible improvement in performance.” The impact is no longer anecdotal, it is visible in results, representation, and rising ambition. Tribal athletes are no longer just participants; they are becoming contenders, champions, and future internationals.

Odisha’s golden double at Raipur is symbolic of a larger movement -- where villages are becoming nurseries of excellence, and hockey is rewriting the aspirations of an entire generation. From dusty fields in Bastar to packed stadiums in Raipur, the journey of these athletes is reshaping not just Indian hockey, but the social fabric of tribal India.