New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS): The officials of the Khelo India Youth Games organising committee have decided to complete all the preparations for the third edition of the meet by December 31 during a meeting in Guwahati on Sunday.

The competition will be held from January 10-22, 2020.

Avinash Joshi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Games and Principal Secretary, Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Government of Assam, stressed on the fact that work should be divided into seven-eight teams and the preparations should be carried out simultaneously.

"We are planning to finish all our preparations for the Khelo India Youth Games by December 31. We are hoping for all the infrastructure to be ready before the next year commences. We will divide the entire work into seven-eight groups and ensure that all the preparations are carried out simultaneously," said Joshi.

In order to increase participation in the tournament, the organisers have decided that an athlete can take part in only one of the age categories -- U-17 or U-21.

"All of us have come here to work out all the details. We have divided ourselves into teams and will focus on the venues in a dedicated manner in order to ensure that the Games are carried out smoothly," said Radhica Sreeman, Chairperson, Games Technical Conduct Committee.

Around 6,800 athletes are expected to participate in the third edition of Khelo India Youth Games. The athletes will take part in a total of 20 sporting events with lawn ball and cycling being the new additions to the Games.