Jaipur, Dec 5 (NationPress) Chandigarh University showcased an exceptional display in Canoe and Kayaking to successfully uphold their overall championship title at the Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025 on Friday. The university concluded their journey with an impressive tally of 67 medals, comprising 42 gold, 14 silver, and 11 bronze. Lovely Professional University (LPU) secured the runner-up position with 32 gold, 25 silver, and 22 bronze medals.

Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, attended the vibrant closing ceremony at Poornima University, marking the end of the 12-day multi-sport festival. The event was also graced by Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa and Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports for Rajasthan.

Chandigarh University captured 23 out of the 30 gold medals available in Canoe and Kayaking, alongside six in swimming, five in athletics, two in wrestling, and one each in weightlifting, shooting, cycling, archery, table tennis, and kabaddi.

LPU concluded their KIUG campaign with a total of 78 medals, surpassing the champions by 11 medals but having fewer golds. Guru Nanak Dev University also matched LPU with 32 gold medals, but their 22 silver and 18 bronze medals placed them third.

The Games featured 12 new meet records in athletics, including two All India University records, reflecting the high caliber of competition over the 12 days.

Olympian and prominent swimmer Srihari Nataraj emerged as the standout athlete of KIUG 2025, earning nine gold and two silver medals to aid Jain University in achieving a total of 27 gold, nine silver, and nine bronze medals. Their performance secured them the fourth position in the overall medal tally.

In praise of the Khelo India University Games, Khadse remarked that the event provided a platform for athletes from various states to connect and appreciate each other's rich cultural heritage, paving the way for excellence.

“Winning or losing is secondary; the essence lies in the participation of athletes from every state. This is the most crucial aspect of the Khelo India University Games. Through sports, we can foster understanding and unity among cultures,” stated Khadse.

The Minister emphasized that sports transcend mere medal counts and serve as a soft power on a global level.

“As Prime Minister Modi often articulates, the youth represent the future of our nation, and it is vital for them to understand and appreciate each other's cultures. Only then can we aspire to be a developed nation.

“Sports can propel this country forward as a soft power on the world stage. I commend all athletes—both victors and those still striving—because reaching this level marks a new beginning that will lead to further growth. Our goal is to spread sports to every corner of the nation, as sports teach us unity,” she added.

On the final day, with 28 gold medals available, including 24 in boxing, the competition for the second place was intensely contested between LPU and Guru Nanak Dev University. Ultimately, LPU clinched the position by securing two gold medals in boxing and one in kabaddi.

Guru Kashi University led the boxing events at Bharatpur’s Lohagarh Indoor Stadium on Friday, winning four gold, three silver, and five bronze medals, rising to fifth place in the overall standings with 15 gold, 15 silver, and 18 bronze medals.

The fifth edition of KIUG 2025 took place across seven cities in Rajasthan, featuring an impressive 4448 athletes from 222 universities competing in 23 medal disciplines. The Games were organized under the auspices of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in collaboration with the Rajasthan State Sports Council and hosted by Poornima University.