The Government of India recently made an exciting announcement about the upcoming fourth edition of Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), which are slated to take place in Haryana. These games represent a significant element of the government’s national sports development programme ‘Khelo India’. This initiative is not just about identifying and fostering promising and seasoned talents, but also aiming to boost community development, social integration, gender equality and a healthy lifestyle.
The 2021 Khelo India Youth Games: When and Where?
Officially, the 2021 Khelo India Youth Games are scheduled for staging following the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The Tokyo Olympics are all set to begin on the 23rd of July 2021. This year’s KIYG won’t stick to its usual January timeframe due to Covid-19-related disruptions that also caused the postponement of the 2020 Olympics – a first in history.
Panchkula, a city in the Indian state of Haryana, has been selected as the venue for these prestigious games. The last KIYG edition took place in Guwahati, Assam.
Khelo India: National Programme for Development of Sports
Launched by the Union Cabinet in 2017, ‘Khelo India’ is a reinvigorated national sports development programme. As part of this initiative, KIYG plays a crucial role in identifying budding sporting talents across the country and fostering their growth.
But Khelo India stands for much more than just competition and medal tallies. It seeks to tap into the cross-cutting influence of sports. The programme aims to promote the holistic development of children and youth, facilitate community development, foster social integration, encourage gender equality, advocate for a healthy lifestyle, instil national pride and uncover economic opportunities related to sports development.
Financial Assistance for Players
A key feature of the Khelo India Scheme is its financial assistance to promising athletes. Talented players identified in priority sports disciplines at various levels receive annual financial backing worth Rs. 5 lakh per annum for eight years. This support is crucial, as it allows athletes to focus on their training and performances without needing to worry about financial constraints.
The Khelo India App
To make information about sports and fitness more accessible, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has developed the Khelo India App. This application encourages awareness and enthusiasm towards sports across the country. The SAI operates under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and carries a significant role in executing sports policies and initiatives like ‘Khelo India’.