Guwahati, Dec1 (UNI) Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju launched the third edition of the Khelo India Youth Games beginning here from January 10-22.
Along with Rijiju Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal event marked the unveiling of the composite logo of the 3rd edition of the Games, the players jersey, the Games Mascots and the theme song at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium, Sarusajai.
Athletes Hima Das, Swapna Burman and Lovlina Borgohain joined the ceremony, which was attended by a host of dignitaries from the world of sport.
“The Khelo India Youth Games is one of the most empowering initiatives of the Indian Government that hopes to not only give a platform to youngsters from all over the country to make a future in sport, but also to build India into a sporting nation,” Shri. Kiren Rijiju said at the launch ceremony here on Saturday.
“I invite every sports-loving and talented youngster to grab this opportunity and begin his or her journey towards excellence. Playing sport is also a great way to build one's character and have a fitter body and mind”, he added.
Khelo India Games was launched in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to imbibe a culture of sports in the country and to fortify it at the grassroots level with the eventual goal of making India a sporting powerhouse.
“I am delighted to welcome the KIYG to Assam. The Games will surely inspire all the children in the state as well as the entire North-East region to take up sports and bring glory for themselves, our state and indeed our country,” Sonowal expressed at the launch.
“We assure each participating athlete a wonderful experience in our state which is known for its rich culture and hospitality. We are equipped with state-of -the-art infrastructure to make it a memorable experience for all the participants,” he promised.
This year, over 10,000 participants from across the country will compete in 451 medal events and the coveted purse in 20 sport disciplines, two more than last year, making it one of the largest sporting initiatives for Indian youth ever undertaken. Cycling and Lawn Bowls have been added to the list of competing sport events this year.
Last year, Maharashtra bagged the winners’ mantle, bagging 85 gold, 62 silver and 81 bronze medals. Maharashtra, Haryana and Delhi have been amongst the top three in the previous editions, with Haryana emerging as the winners in the inaugural year.
Close to 3,000 promising and talented athletes have already benefitted from the Khelo India Scheme, each of them winning a scholarship of Rs 5 lakh per annum, with Rs 1.2 lakh going directly into their account, annually for eight years.
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