The third edition of the Khelo India Youth Games was officially launched on Saturday by Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju. The Games, scheduled to be held from January 10 to 22, will feature two new sports – Cycling and Lawn Bowls. More than 10,000 participants from across the country will compete in a total of 451 medal events over the course of the 13-day event.
The launch ceremony, held at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium, saw the unveiling of the composite logo, players’ jerseys, mascots, and the theme song for this edition of the Games. The design of the jersey represents and celebrates the rich heritage of Assam.
Several notable guests were in attendance, including Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and top athletes Hima Das, Swapna Burman, and Lovlina Borgohain. Rijiju spoke about the significance of the Khelo India Youth Games, calling it one of the Indian Government’s most empowering initiatives. He expressed hope that the Games would not only provide a platform for youngsters from all over the country to pursue a future in sports but also contribute to building a sporting nation.
Sonowal, in his speech, expressed his delight in hosting the Khelo India Youth Games in Assam. He believed that the Games would inspire children not only in the state but also in the entire North-East region to take up sports and bring glory to themselves, their state, and the country as a whole.
In the previous edition of the Games, Maharashtra emerged as the overall winners, securing 85 gold, 62 silver, and 81 bronze medals. Haryana and Delhi have consistently been among the top three finishers in the past, with Haryana winning the inaugural year.
The Khelo India Scheme has already provided scholarships to nearly 3,000 promising and talented athletes, with each recipient receiving Rs 5 lakh per annum. This scholarship includes a direct transfer of Rs 1.2 lakh into their accounts annually for eight years.