BHUBANESWAR: With a vision to promote culture and excellence in competitive sports, the first edition of Khelo India University Games was announced Monday by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
The Odisha state government will host the prestigious event from 22 February to 1 March 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).
Khelo India University Games will witness over 4,000 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 Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C) Kiren Rijiju, minister for Human Resources and Development, Govt of India, Ramesh Pokhriyal, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan, Arun Kumar Sahoo, Minister for Higher Education, Govt. of Odisha, Tusharkanti Behera, Minister for Sports and Youth Services, Govt of Odisha and Achyuta Samanta, founder KIIT University and Member of Parliament. Top athletes and national hockey players too were present at the ceremony.
“I am truly delighted to announce that the first edition of the Khelo India University Games will be held in Bhubaneswar; a city which has gained the repute of being the Sports Capital of India. I commend the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Sports Authority of India for taking this initiative of having an annual sports event of this magnitude at the University level. I am sure the true 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,” Patnaik stated during the launch event.
“KIIT University is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure that will make competing a great experience and I am hopeful the participating universities will enjoy the hospitality here and also experience our rich culture, heritage and white sand beaches in Odisha,” he added.
“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,” Rijiju noted.
“I invite every sports-loving and talented young student 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.
