Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually inaugurated the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna, setting the stage for one of the country’s largest youth sporting events. With over 10,000 participants, including more than 6,000 athletes, the Games are being held across Patna, Rajgir, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Begusarai and New Delhi, and will continue until May 15.
This is the first time Bihar is hosting a major multi-discipline sporting event. Featuring 27 medal sports and one demonstration event, KIYG 2025 introduces sepaktakraw as a medal discipline and esports as a demonstration sport. The inclusion of sepaktakraw comes shortly after India’s historic gold in the men’s regu event at the ISTAF World Cup held in Patna in March, a win that drew praise from the Prime Minister and brought attention to the state’s growing sporting potential.
Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya, chief minister Nitish Kumar, Minister of State Rakhsha Khadse and several dignitaries attended the ceremony. Dr Mandaviya highlighted Bihar’s growing presence in Indian sport and the long-term vision to groom Olympic-level athletes. “This is a very important time for Bihar. History tells us how Nalanda and Vikramshila were eminent knowledge centres. Now the same land will give us new sports development centres. It’s a matter of great pride for Bihar,” he said.
“These Games are an opportunity to change Bihar’s image as a state capable of hosting big events. A Viksit Bihar is part of Viksit Bharat and now every sports talent in Bihar will get a stage and an opportunity to showcase their skills,” he added.
The Khelo India ecosystem continues to strengthen grassroots development. Of the 1,048 Khelo India Centres nationwide, 38 are located in Bihar across all districts, offering training in disciplines including athletics, wrestling, table tennis, football, hockey, archery, and kabaddi. These are led by past champion athletes and currently support 939 trainees – nearly equally split between boys and girls. Additionally, 34 Khelo India State Centres of Excellence have been set up in partnership with various state governments.
Bihar’s progress is beginning to reflect in competition. At the recent National Games in Uttarakhand, Bihar posted its best-ever performance with 12 medals, including a gold. Dr Mandaviya credited the improvement to a focused, athlete-centric approach. “The good times in Bihar sports have started and PM Modi believes that this is the time and it is the right time. And all this has been possible due to structured training, athlete-centric approach and local support system. We just have to be patient and let talent shine in due course.”
He also outlined future plans to expand the Khelo India calendar. New additions will include Khelo India School Games, Beach Games in Diu, Indigenous Games in southern India, and Tribal Games in Chhattisgarh. “Like this we will keep organizing events under the Khelo India umbrella,” he said.
The sports minister also noted the increasing popularity of community initiatives like ‘Sundays on Cycle’, promoting active lifestyles among citizens. “Awareness for fitness is mandatory to keep lifestyle issues like obesity at bay,” he said.
First launched in 2017, the Khelo India initiative has become a key driver of mass participation and elite performance in Indian sport. KIYG 2025 in Bihar marks another important chapter in this journey, offering young athletes a platform to compete, grow and dream big.
BI Bureau
