Bhubaneswar, Jan 6 (UNI) The Khelo India University Games (KIUG) to be held here
from February 22 to March 1 next was launched here today.
Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik along with Union Minister for Human
Resources and Development Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Petroleum and Natural
Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C) Kiren
Rijiju made the announcement.
Odisha Government will host the prestigious event at the Kalinga Institute of
Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar in association with Sports
Authority of India, Association of Indian Universities, KIIT University as the host
university, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the National Sports Federation
(NSFs).
KIUG will witness over 4000 athletes from 100 Universities across India vying for
top honours in 17 different disciplines namely archery, athletics, boxing, fencing,
judo, swimming, weightlifting, wrestling, badminton, basketball, football, hockey,
table tennis, tennis, volleyball, rugby and kabaddi.
The launch ceremony of the KIUG was also attended by state Higher Education
Minister Arun Sahu , Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera, KIIT
University founder and Parliament member Achyuta Samanta, top athletes and
national hockey players.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Patnaik said he was delighted to announce the first
edition of the Khelo India University Games which will be held in Bhubaneswar, a
city which has gained the repute of being the Sports Capital of India.
He lauded the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Sports Authority of India
for taking the initiative of having an annual sports event of this magnitude at the
University level.
The chief minister hoped that the spirit of sportsmanship will be showcased
during this event.
Odisha State Government and KIIT University will ensure all the participants will
have a memorable experience during the event," Mr Patnaik said.
“KIIT University, he said is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and hoped
that the participating students will enjoy the hospitality and also experience the rich
culture, heritage and white sand beaches in Odisha
Mr Rijiju said the Khelo India University Games will strengthen Prime Minister
Narendra Modi's ambition to make India a super power in sports.
“The Khelo India University Games is yet another empowering initiative of
Government of India that hopes to not only give a platform to young students to
showcase their talent in sports but in the long run it will develop a culture to
pursue sports at this level and eventually contribute to the ultimate goal of topping
the medal tally in events like the Asian Games and Olympic Games," he said at the
launch ceremony.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the people
of Odisha are very passionate about sports and hoped that an event of this scale
will inspire the future generation to take up sports as a career.
Dutee Chand, one of the most celebrated athletes from Odisha, said. “This is a
great platform for athletes who tend to give up sports after school due to pressure
of studies or lack of events to take part after age-group/ junior and sub-junior
events," she said.
A multi-discipline University Games will be a great fixture in the annual sports
calendar, and it will give new hope to those who want to excel in sports, said Dutee
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