Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Government under the aegis of Sports Authority of India and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will host the first-ever Khelo India University Games at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar from 22 February to 1 March 2020.
The coveted event which aims to create a platform for youth to showcase their sporting prowess at the varsity level will witness the participation of 176 universities.
The universities include Panjab University, Chandigarh, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, University of Delhi, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, University of Calicut, University of Calcutta, Jain University, Bangalore, University of Mumbai, University of Kerala, LNIPE University, Gwalior, University of Madras, SRM University, Chennai, Jamia Millia Islamia University, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, University of Mysore, ITM Gwalior, Veer Narmada University, Surat, University of Jammu, RMT Nagpur and several other Universities in the country.
“We are delighted to host the inaugural edition of the Khelo India University Games in association with KIIT University. This is a great initiative by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Sports Authority of India which will fortify the sports structure at a national level,” informed Odisha Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera.
“Odisha is a sports-loving state and we have in the past hosted several marque international sporting events. I am confident this event will set yet another benchmark and the true spirit of sportsmanship will be showcased,” he said.
The officials are working round-the-clock for smooth execution of the event and to ensure everyone has a memorable experience, the Minister further stated.
“With 176 Universities from across India registering to participate in the first edition of Khelo India University Games, we are confident this will create a new revolution in sports at the varsity level where youth U-25 will get a great platform to showcase their talent in 17 different disciplines.
Khelo India University Games will witness over 5000 athletes vie for top honours in 17 different disciplines.