The Khelo India Youth Games kicked off with a stunning opening ceremony

Digital Desk:  On Saturday, the 4th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) got off to a dramatic start, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurating the competition at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.

The Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex was decked out to welcome the 4,700 athletes, including 2,262 girls, who will compete in 25 sporting disciplines over the next 10 days, including five indigenous sports.

"Over the past four years, Khelo India has offered a platform to athletes from across the country to demonstrate their potential," Shah said, hailing Haryana as India's "sports capital" for producing world-class athletes. Nothing stops you from progressing from the local level to the state, national, and even worldwide level if you have the talent."

"Our government increased the sports budget from Rs 864 crore in 2014 to Rs 1,992 crore in 2022, with the best-ever medal haul of seven in the Tokyo Olympics, up to five from the previous edition in 2016." Similarly, the number of medals won at the Paralympics increased from four in 2016 to 19 in 2021.

Thakur began by singing the popular 'How's the josh' to the athletes and coaches in attendance from 36 states and 11 Union Territories before warning them that they were in for a tough competition. In his opening remarks, Haryana sports minister and former Indian hockey team captain Sandeep Singh urged athletes to give their all while maintaining sportsmanship.

Vijaya the Tiger and Jaya the Blackbuck, KIYG's popular mascots, entered the arena dancing, setting the tone for the evening. However, the greatest applause went to Haryana's mascot, Dhakad the Bull, who was driven on a tractor to the catchy tunes of the original Khelo India hymn, 'Hum, Hum, Hum.'

Olympic medalist Yogeshwar Dutt, Paralympic Gold medalist Sumit Antil, Paralympic Bronze medalist Yogesh Kathunia, and World Championship bronze medalist Manisha Moun were among the notable athletes who attended the session to inspire the young attendees. 

On behalf of the competitors, the athletes swore an Olympic-style pledge to respect and abide by the sport's rules and act fairly.

The competition heats up on Sunday, with 32 medals for weightlifting, wrestling, cycling, yogasana, and gatka.

Also Read: Indian Women Sports: Govt announces nine Khelo India leagues for talented female Athletes