Tribal Sports Festival 2026 opened at the SAI Modern Sports Complex, Big Lapathy, under the Fit India Initiative. Organized by SAI STC Car Nicobar in collaboration with the Tribal Council and Nicobar Games & Sports Association, the festival showcases traditional sports and encourages physical activity among youth.
Deputy Commissioner of Nicobar District, Amit Kale, IAS, officially declared the festival open and unveiled trophies for the U-18 Inter-Village Football Tournament and the prestigious Lt. Esaw Isaac Football Rolling Trophy. In his address, he highlighted the importance of regular physical activity, stressing that ‘Rozana Sharirik Gatividhi Bahut Zaroori Hai.’
A Mock Canoe Race Demonstration by Perka Village participants, including Master Roshanto and Master Cain, highlighted traditional Nicobari sporting excellence. The demonstration drew a large audience, reflecting strong local support for the festival and the revival of indigenous games.
Eleven teams are competing in the festival, with the first event being the traditional Harah game between Team Kinyuka and Team Perka. Team Perka won by achieving the highest points within the allotted time, setting a competitive tone for the rest of the festival.
Joseph Theophilus, General Secretary of the Tribal Council, Car Nicobar, welcomed participants and spectators, emphasizing the festival’s role in promoting indigenous sports while fostering youth engagement and community pride. Organizers noted that the event provides a platform for identifying talent for inter-island and national competitions.
The festival aligns with the Fit India Initiative’s goals of encouraging active lifestyles while preserving cultural heritage. By integrating traditional games with competitive formats, the event strengthens cultural identity and inspires youth to maintain physical fitness.
Over the following days, the festival will feature competitions in football, canoe races, and other indigenous sports. Participants and audiences are being educated about the rules, techniques, and cultural significance of traditional games, reinforcing community involvement and appreciation for local heritage.
Through the combined efforts of SAI STC, the Tribal Council, and the Nicobar Games & Sports Association, the festival demonstrates how sport can drive community development, cultural preservation, and youth engagement. It also reflects the administration’s commitment to promoting fitness, talent development, and cultural continuity in Car Nicobar.
