First Edition of Khelo India University Games Kicks Off in Odisha

Cuttack: The inaugural edition of the Khelo India University Games was kicked off here today.

Attending the inauguration ceremony, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “It is a moment of great pride for us to be hosting the first edition of the Khelo India University Games, here in Odisha, in association with the Government of India and the KIIT University”.

Khelo India University Games will provide a great platform to showcase sporting talent at the national level, he said.

“Some of the athletes will return with medals, some with experience and all with great memories from the Games. I welcome all of you to the sport-loving state of Odisha”, the CM said.

The CM also wished all the athletes the very best for their sporting events.

Inaugurating the mega sporting event through video conferencing, Prime Minster Narendra Modi said “It is a historic moment for Indian Sports. With the launch of Khelo India University Games India has entered the league of countries where university games are organized at this level”.

“I congratulate the organizers from Odisha who have put together this spectacular event and wish the 3000+ youth athletes from across the country all the best for the Khelo India University Games”, he said.

A colourful 45-minute cultural-cum-entertainment show marked the ceremony, with a number of top dignitaries, led by Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister of Petroleum, Natural Gas & Steel Dharmendra Pradhan and  Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Kiren Rijiju, witnessing the show.

As many as 4,000 spectators enjoyed the immaculately-conceived ceremony inside the stadium even as scores watched it on LED screens just outside the stadium.

The Khelo India University Games will see more than 4000 athletes from 176 institutes vying for top honours in 17 sports.

Some of the top universities of the country, including Panjab University, Guru Nanak Dev University, University of Delhi, University of Calicut, University of Calcutta, University of Mumbai, University of Kerala, LNIPE University, Gwalior, University of Madras, Jamia Millia Islamia University, Himachal Pradesh University, University of Jammu, will send their athletes for the Games.

Most of the events will be held at different venues within the KIIT University Campus here. Badminton and table tennis will be held at JN Indoor Stadium in Cuttack while athletics will be held at the Kalinga Stadium.

“Odisha is a sports-loving state and have hosted several marque international events. this event likely to set yet another bench mark and the true spirit of sportsmanship will be showcased.

Officials are working round-the-clock for a smooth execution of the event and to ensure everyone has a memorable experience,.