NEW DELHI: Even as India is still to come to grips with the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been raging unabated across the country, the Union Sports Ministry appears confident that the Khelo India Youth Games can go ahead this year. And has even sanctioned Rs 206.7 million in funds for designated host state Haryana.
The KIYG, which is held jointly by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the state government, is scheduled to be held in Haryana in November and will include competitions in 25 disciplines, including five indigenous games that have been added for the first time.
“Haryana has a very strong culture of sport that is commendable. The sports minister of the state has been an elite hockey player and has deep interest in strengthening the sports ecosystem there,” said Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju.
“I am very happy that the Games will be held in Panchkula in Haryana this year. The existing sporting infrastructure in the state is very good and more infrastructure is being developed for the Games and I am confident athletes will have a very good experience,” he added.
Elaborating on the readiness of the state in hosting the upcoming games, Sandeep Singh, Sports Minister, Haryana, said: “There is a lot of enthusiasm among the players about the event since the responsibility of conducting it has been entrusted to Haryana. Since the preparations started, the state government is constantly working to make Khelo India grand.
“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Manohar Lal, the work related to the Khelo India Youth Games is being completed at a fast pace and all the officials of the Sports Department are busy in completing the preparations in time.”
The KIYG is the largest grassroot-level talent identification scheme of the Union Sports Ministry. Athletes selected under the KIYG are given an annual scholarship of Rs 628,000, which includes an out-of-pocket allowance of Rs 10,000 a month. The first edition was held in 2018 under the banner of Khelo India School Games. Thereafter, it was renamed as the Khelo India Youth Games.
Maharashtra and Guwahati hosted the 2019 and 2020 editions respectively. The whole purpose of the Khelo Games is to create and strengthen the sporting ecosystem of the country and to identify and nurture talent for podium finishers in major international competitions, including the Olympics.
