The 3rd edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) was inaugurated virtually by the Prime Minister in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, marking the beginning of a new era for sports in India. This much-awaited event is set to observe over 4750 athletes from more than 200 Universities competing across 21 sports categories. The competitions are scheduled to take place in various cities including Varanasi, Lucknow, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Gorakhpur.
The mascot for this year’s event named ‘Jitu’ signifies the Swamp Deer (Barasingha) – the state animal of Uttar Pradesh. The inaugural KIUG was held in Odisha in 2020, showing the games have had their footprints across diverse regions of the country. The second edition was conducted in Bangalore, Karnataka in 2022 after being rescheduled from 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Essence and Evolution of Khelo India programme
Khelo India, translating to ‘Let’s play India’, was proposed by the Indian government in 2017 with an objective to revive India’s sporting culture and engage children at the grassroots level. The initiative focusses on building better sporting infrastructure and academies across the country dedicated to a variety of sports and is implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The different arms of the Khelo India movement include the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) and the Khelo India Winter Games. These annual national sports competitions provide a platform for youngsters to represent their states and universities, showcasing their skills and contending for medals.
The Impact of Khelo India Initiative
The Khelo India initiative has played a pivotal role in reviving India’s traditional sports. The government has granted scholarships to promote indigenous sports such as Gatka, Mallakhamb, Thang-ta, Kalaripayattu, and Yogasan, preserving their legacy among the youth.
The integration of sports within education is a prime focus of the Khelo India initiative aligning with the proposal of the National Educational Policy 2020. The establishment of the country’s first National Sports University will further incorporate sports as a subject within the curriculum.
Empowering Women through Khelo India Initiative
Alongside promoting traditional and mainstream sports, Khelo India has made significant strides toward encouraging women’s participation in sports. The Khelo India Women’s League, organised in several cities, has witnessed active participation from approximately 23,000 women athletes showcasing their talent and prowess.
The Concept of Centres of Excellence
The initiative also extends its support for the establishment of state-of-the-art sports facilities across India, known as Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCE). These centres provide basic facilities for sportspersons with potential and caters to three sporting disciplines each. Some of the notable centres include Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl, Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar, and Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal.
