Daijiworld Media Network – Patna

Patna, May 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually inaugurated the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025, marking the first time Bihar is hosting the prestigious national event. Addressing young athletes and coaches, PM Modi praised their dedication and said their participation reflects India's growing sporting spirit.

“Players from across the country have come with dreams and determination. Their passion brings pride to the nation,” he said.

The Games will take place across five cities Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai—with over 6,000 athletes competing. PM Modi highlighted India’s expanding sports culture, saying, “As our sporting identity grows, so will India’s soft power globally.”

Citing Bihar's IPL talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi, he emphasized how exposure and regular competition shape athletes. He also reiterated India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympics and the government’s focus on nurturing grassroots talent through initiatives like Khelo India and the TOPS scheme.

Traditional games like Gatka, Kho-Kho, and Mallakhamb have been included in the KIYG to promote India’s sporting heritage, while new sports like Wushu, Sepak Takraw, and Lawn Bowls are gaining ground.

PM Modi said India's sports budget has tripled in the last decade to over Rs 4,000 cr, with over 1,000 Khelo India Centres nationwide including more than three dozen in Bihar. He lauded Bihar’s efforts, including the State Centre of Excellence in Rajgir and the upcoming Sports City on the Patna-Gaya Highway.

“Sports are creating jobs beyond the field in technology, coaching, broadcasting, analytics, and more,” he added, noting that today’s stadiums have become employment hubs.

Encouraging athletes to represent ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,’ the PM concluded by inviting them to enjoy Bihar’s culture and cuisine, including Litti Chokha and Makhana. He then officially declared the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 open.