Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that Rajasthan University and Poornima University will host the 5th edition of Khelo India University Games in Novermber in Jaipur. Students under the age of 25 years will be eligible to participate in the games. It is expected that this edition will witness the participation of around 4,000 athletes from 200 Universities across the country.
About Khelo India University Games
- The Khelo India University Games (KIUG) are a flagship initiative under the Khelo India Programme.It aims to nurture grassroots sporting talent and build a strong sports culture in India.
- The University Games are designed for athletes under 25 years of age and serve as a platform to identify and groom young talent for global competitions.
- Past Editions
- The first edition of KIUG was hosted in Odisha in 2020, with Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology as the venue. Panjab University, Chandigarh, topped the medal tally.
- The second edition, delayed to 2022 due to the pandemic, was held in Karnataka, hosted by Jain University, Bengaluru, which also emerged as the overall winner.
- The third edition took place in Uttar Pradesh in 2023, primarily at IIT-BHU, with Panjab University once again leading the medal count.
- The fourth edition, held in 2024, was uniquely spread across the seven northeastern states, showcasing the region’s potential and diversity. Chandigarh University secured the top position in this edition.
About Khelo India Programme
- The Khelo India Programme was launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2017 with the vision of transforming India into a global sporting nation.
- It aims to revive the sports culture at the grassroots level, identify young talent, and provide them with world-class infrastructure, coaching, and competitive exposure.
- The programme works on the principle of “Catch Them Young” and supports athletes through scholarships and training to prepare them for international events.
- Under Khelo India, four major national-level sporting events are organised: the Khelo India Youth Games, University Games, Winter Games, and Para Games. These platforms help identify promising athletes across various age groups, particularly under 19 and under 25, and allow them to compete at a national level.
- In addition to organizing competitions, the programme supports the development of sports infrastructure across states, training of coaches, and promotion of fitness through initiatives like the Fit India Movement.
- The programme has contributed significantly to the rise of young sporting talent across disciplines, from athletics to wrestling, archery to swimming. Khelo India has not only created opportunities for thousands of youth but also instilled a renewed enthusiasm for fitness, competition, and sporting excellence in the country.
