PM Modi Launches Khelo India Youth Games, Celebrating Young Athletes

Inauguration of Khelo India Youth Games

Patna (Bihar) - On May 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games.

During his address to the athletes, coaches, and staff, he praised the exceptional talent and determination displayed by participants from across the nation.

He acknowledged their hard work and dedication, emphasizing their role in fostering a vibrant sporting culture in India. Modi expressed that their passion and relentless pursuit of excellence are sources of national pride, wishing them success in their future endeavors, as stated in an official release.

PM Modi pointed out that the Khelo India Youth Games will feature extensive competitions in various cities across Bihar, including Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai, with over six thousand young athletes participating, each carrying their dreams and aspirations.

He noted that as India's sporting culture flourishes, so too will the country's soft power on the global stage, highlighting the importance of the Khelo India Youth Games as a significant platform for youth.

Emphasizing the need for continuous improvement, Modi reiterated the government's commitment to prioritizing athlete development in its policies.

He mentioned that numerous sporting events under the Khelo India initiative, including University Games, Youth Games, Winter Games, and Para Games, are conducted throughout the year at various levels nationwide.

These ongoing competitions, he noted, enhance athletes' confidence and showcase their talents. Citing cricket, he praised Bihar's Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his impressive IPL performance at a young age.

Modi highlighted that while hard work is essential, exposure to various competitions significantly contributes to an athlete's development. He stated that the Khelo India Youth Games offer young athletes a chance to grasp the intricacies of national-level sports and gain invaluable experience.

He also expressed that hosting the Olympics in India is a long-held dream, reaffirming the nation's ambition to bring the Olympics to the country by 2036, showcasing India's commitment to enhancing its international sports presence.

Modi emphasized the government's focus on identifying and nurturing sporting talent from the school level, providing structured training. He noted that initiatives like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme have significantly contributed to building a robust sports ecosystem, benefiting countless athletes across Bihar and beyond.

He stressed the importance of allowing athletes to explore various sports, mentioning that the Khelo India Youth Games include traditional and indigenous games such as Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Kho-Kho, Mallakhamb, and Yogasana, promoting India's rich sporting heritage.

PM Modi acknowledged the increasing presence of Indian athletes in emerging sports, highlighting recent successes in disciplines like Wushu, Sepak Takraw, Pencak Silat, Lawn Bowls, and Roller Skating. He recalled the historic achievement of India's women's team winning a medal in Lawn Bowls at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which brought global attention to the sport in India.

He noted the government's commitment to modernizing sports infrastructure, revealing that the sports budget has more than tripled in the last decade, reaching around Rs 4,000 crore this year, with a significant portion dedicated to infrastructure development.

Modi mentioned that over 1,000 Khelo India Centres are operational nationwide, including more than thirty in Bihar. He emphasized that Bihar is benefiting from both Union and State government initiatives, with the state government expanding several programs.

He highlighted the establishment of the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Rajgir, along with institutions like Bihar Sports University and the State Sports Academy. He also mentioned the ongoing construction of a Sports City along the Patna-Gaya Highway and the development of sports facilities in rural Bihar, asserting that the Khelo India Youth Games will further enhance Bihar's standing in the national sports arena.

“The realm of sports and its associated economy extend far beyond the playing field; sports are creating new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people,” Modi stated. He pointed out various emerging fields such as physiotherapy, data analytics, sports technology, broadcasting, e-sports, and management, which offer diverse career paths. He remarked that today, a stadium is not just a venue for matches but a source of thousands of jobs, highlighting the growing opportunities in sports entrepreneurship, supported by initiatives like National Sports Universities and the integration of sports into mainstream education through the new National Education Policy.

PM Modi emphasized the significance of sportsmanship in all aspects of life, noting how sports foster teamwork, collaboration, and perseverance. He encouraged athletes to perform at their best and embody the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' as brand ambassadors. He expressed confidence that the athletes would leave with cherished memories from Bihar and encouraged visitors to enjoy local delicacies like Litti Chokha and Makhana.

In conclusion, he expressed hope that the Khelo India Youth Games would enhance both sportsmanship and patriotism among participants, officially announcing the commencement of the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games.

Among the dignitaries present at the event were Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya, Raksha Khadse, and Ram Nath Thakur.