Khelo India Youth Games to start from January 9 in Pune

Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore launched the jersey for the second edition of Khelo India, rechristened as the Khelo India Youth Games, which will kick-startKhelo India Youth Games to start from January 9 in Pune.

Building on the success of the inaugural edition, Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore alongside Khelo India stars Manu Bhaker, Jeremy Lalrinnunga, Saurabh Chaudhary, Lakshya Sen, Esha Singh, Tababi Devi, and Srihari Natraj started the countdown to Khelo India Youth Games with an evocative “#5MinuteAur” campaign.

Speaking at the event, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said, “We want to create an ecosystem of sports in the country and ensure that our young athletes can get an international-level platform, through which they can showcase their sporting talent.”

“We want to identify them young and extend them support because at that stage in an athlete’s career, they do not get sponsorship from the corporates. Honourable Prime Minister has always given priority to sports and athletes. It is his vision to make sports a priority in the lives of the youth,” he added.

Importantly, in the second edition of Khelo India, the games which are an initiative of the Central Government, has expanded in its scope and will allow participants to compete in two categories i.e Under 17 and Under 21. In its new form, the games, which will be known as the Khelo India Youth Games, also allows students from colleges and Universities to compete.

Scheduled to take place at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, the Games will see over 10,000 participants from 29 states and seven Union Territories taking part in the two age categories — under 17 and under 21.

On the other hand, Star India has expanded the broadcast coverage for the second edition. The coverage of the upcoming season will include live telecast in five languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and English) and telecast of all 18 disciplines of both age groups.

In its inaugural edition, Khelo India had a strong message “Kheloge Kudoge Banoge Lajawaab” encouraging more kids to play every day. It was an effort towards changing an age-old belief.

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