Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi enthusiastically inaugurated the 13th Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, demonstrating his active participation and support.
The 13th edition of Khelo India Youth Games was inaugurated with great enthusiasm by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The inaugural ceremony not only marked the beginning of the much-awaited sporting event, but also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of important projects worth approximately Rs 250 crore in the broadcasting sector.
Cultural programme
Prime Minister Modi graced the event with his presence and participated in a lively cultural programme. The highlight of the ceremony was the lighting of the Games Torch, marking the official opening of the Khelo India Youth Games. The torch was handed over by two athletes and placed on the cauldron, marking the beginning of an exciting sporting event.
Hearty welcome to athletes from all over the country
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi warmly welcomed the participants, marking the 13th Khelo India Games as a great start to the year 2024. He shared that the event will feature athletes from all 36 states and union territories of India, showcasing diversity. Talent and sportsmanship are prevalent throughout the country.
Eyes on the future: preparing for Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028
Focusing on upcoming global sporting events, Prime Minister Modi mentioned India's preparations for the Paris Olympics in the current year and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. He assured that all possible assistance is being provided to the athletes under the TOPS initiative, emphasizing the country's commitment to their success on the international stage.
Coastal cities and sports tourism: the beginning of a new era
Prime Minister Modi celebrated the inclusion of 8 traditional Indian sports in the Games, in which 1600 athletes participated. He highlighted the importance of these Games in benefiting coastal cities, ushering in a new era of beach sports and sports tourism.
Transformational Initiative:
The Prime Minister proudly mentioned the establishment of India's first National Sports University and the creation of over 300 prestigious academies under the Khelo India campaign. With 1,000 Khelo India centers and over 30 centers of excellence, the sports infrastructure in the country has received a significant boost. Additionally, he pointed out the integration of sports in the core curriculum under the new National Education Policy, which will create awareness about sports as a viable career option right from childhood.
South India's first Khelo India experience
This year's Khelo India Youth Games holds historical significance as it is the first time that the event is being hosted in South India. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai was the venue for the inaugural ceremony. The Games will be held from 19 to 31 January 2024 across four cities in Tamil Nadu – Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore, which will entertain the spectators.
Veera Mangai: Symbol of bravery and strength
Khelo India Youth Games 2023 mascot Veera Mangai pays tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar, the Indian queen who fought against British colonial rule. The mascot symbolizes the strength and bravery of Indian women, symbolizing the power of women in sports. The logo of the games features the figure of the famous poet Thiruvalluvar.
Miscellaneous Sports Festival: 26 disciplines and one demo sport
This edition will see over 5600 athletes participating in 26 sporting disciplines, including both traditional and non-traditional sports. Notably, Silambam, the traditional game of Tamil Nadu, will be introduced as a demo game for the first time in the history of Khelo India Youth Games.
Broadcast sector boost: Projects worth Rs 250 crore
Apart from the sports extravaganza, Prime Minister Modi launched and laid the foundation stone of projects worth about Rs 250 crore in the broadcasting sector. These include DD Podhigai channel rebranded as DD Tamil, 12 Akashvani FM projects in 8 states and 4 DD transmitters in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, the Prime Minister initiated the laying of the foundation stone for 26 new FM transmitter projects in 12 states.
Important questions related to exam
1. In how many cities will Khelo India Youth Games 2023 be played?
2. Which traditional Indian sport was featured at the opening ceremony of Khelo India Youth Games 2023?
3. Where is India's first National Sports University located?
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