Khelo India University Games to begin at KIIT University

Bhubaneswar: The first edition of Khelo India University Games is scheduled to be held at the KIIT University in Bhubaneswar from February 22 to March 1, 2020.

The mascot, schedule, jersey, and logo of the event were launched by the dignitaries here on Monday.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said Odisha in the recent years has emerged as the sports capital of India.

Odisha has successfully hosted several major sports events and produced many famous sports stars in the country. The state government is committed to providing all possible support for the development of sports, he added.

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said India will be a sports powerhouse in the coming years.

India with the largest youth population aims to secure a place among the top ten leading medal winners at the Olympics under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added.

“To fulfill this ambitious dream, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs will organize four major national events every year under the Khelo India programme. The four events under the tag of Khelo India are Youth games, University games, School games, and Indigenous sports or sports for disable persons,” said Rijiju.

Rijiju said ‘One state One sport’ plan will be implemented soon under which every State will adopt and nourish a particular sport of its choice and potential.

The central government will provide all financial support for this scheme whereas the state government will provide the infrastructure and other logistic support. With the cooperation of both State and centre, team India will bring laurels for the Nation in all major sporting events, said the Minister.

Addressing the occasion, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the sports clubs and youth associations located in rural areas have huge potential.

All efforts should be made to spot those talents and provide them training and opportunities. He said the first Khelo India University Games launched from Odisha will set the stage for the hunting of talent and development of sports in the country, said Pradhan.

Union HRD Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said, “Odisha is known for its art, culture, heritage, and sports. Any event that starts from this historic land will definitely touch all heights of success. ‘I am sure this event will play a big role in producing future sports stars for our nation.”

The Minister further said the government is committed to set up the facilities and ambience in Universities and Colleges for the development of Sports.

State Higher Education Minister Dr. Arun Kumar Sahoo, Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera, MP Dr. Achyuta Samanta were present, among others.