Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially launched the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 during a spectacular opening ceremony at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna. The event, running from May 4 to 15, will see over 8,500 athletes competing in 28 sports across five districts of Bihar.
Along with Patna, the games will take place in Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai, with competitions in sports like hockey, archery, kabaddi, volleyball, and athletics. Meanwhile, events in shooting, gymnastics, and track cycling will be held in Delhi.
The Khelo India Youth Games will feature a broad array of disciplines, including Olympic, non-Olympic, and traditional sports, with athletes from all corners of India showcasing their talents. This marks a significant step forward in the country’s sports development, with athletes from every state and union territory set to participate.
Bihar, which has been a key player in the Khelo India initiative, is home to 38 Khelo India Centres, part of the national network of 1,048 centres designed to foster grassroots sports development. These centres, led by champion athletes, support training in various disciplines like table tennis, athletics, wrestling, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, boxing, kabaddi, and wushu, with 939 athletes (473 male, 466 female) currently honing their skills.
During a virtual address from Delhi, Prime Minister Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the games and congratulated the participants. He highlighted the success of IPL player Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored a remarkable century, calling it a product of hard work and dedication. Modi encouraged all athletes to draw inspiration from Suryavanshi’s commitment and aim for excellence in their own sports.
The Khelo India Youth Games, now in its seventh edition, are part of the larger Khelo India initiative launched in 2017, aimed at promoting mass participation and excellence in sports. Over the years, the program has played a crucial role in helping Indian athletes excel on the global stage, with many Khelo India participants representing the country at international events like the Olympics and Asian Games.
The 2025 edition marks a milestone with the inclusion of esports as a demonstration sport, further broadening the scope of the games. With 27 sports on the roster, this year’s Khelo India Youth Games promises to be a celebration of talent and sportsmanship, with Bihar once again at the heart of this national sporting spectacle.
