GUWAHATI: Assam’s largest city bid farewell to the Khelo India Youth Games here Wednesday, crowning Maharashtra the unconquered champions during a power-packed and entertaining closing ceremony.
The defending champions romped to a whopping 256 medals, including 78 Gold and 77 Silver to again underline their pre-eminence in a multi-game event of this scale.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Minister of State, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Rameshwar Teli, presented the trophy to the winners.
“I would like to congratulate all the participating teams from across states and everyone who has been part of this journey of making Khelo India Youth Games 2020 a mega success. Over the past 13 days the city was on song, witnessing some scintillating sports action. There was a feeling of competitive spirit and sportsmanship amongst all contestants and at the end we saw Maharashtra winning the championship. The tournament is a big boost towards achieving our Honorable Prime Minister’s Shri Narendra Modi’s long term vision of Fit India movement. I salute the hard work of all athletes that participated in the games as they will be the ones who will go on to bring major sporting laurels for our country globally,” said Sonowal.
Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were among the dignitaries and local celebrities who graced the occasion.
Rijiju said: “I congratulate all the athletes for their enthusiastic participation in Khelo India Youth Games in Guwahati. Congratulations to Maharashtra for winning the champions trophy two years in a row. I am confident that from among this year’s winners will emerge our future champions who will represent India at international events and even at the Olympics, in the 2024 and 2028 Olympics. Our motto has been to provide the best facilities and a world class experience to athletes at the Khelo India Games. This is the platform from which they are starting their sporting journey, and with the right grooming they will evolve into international sporting icons”
Immediately after the awards ceremony, Assam showcased their rich cultural heritage in a show led by a modern creative dance performance by Aimee Baruah, directed by Asim.
Before a range of local performers hit the stage, Chinese martial artists wowed the audience. They were specially flown in to mark the 70th year of the India-China friendship.
Performances by Ms Tarulata Kutum with Missing Dancers, Sajan Nayak with Jhumuir Dancers and a solo by Babita Sharma set the mood for the evening. Popular Assamese singer Jitul Sonowal too charmed everybody with his mellifluous sings.
In between, Krishnamoni Chutiya performed the Bihu Song which was choreographed by Pankaj Engiti, to the delight of the local fans.
The evening was topped up by a live concert by Bollywood singing star Shaan. The playback singer got the audience, including the athletes, on their feet as he belted out a series of his hit numbers.
