What Did PM Narendra Modi Say at the Inauguration of the 7th Khelo India Youth Games?

New Delhi, May 4 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually inaugurated the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025, marking a historic milestone as Bihar hosts this prestigious national sporting event for the first time.

During his address to the athletes, coaches, and support staff, he noted the gathering of players from across the nation, who exemplify exceptional talent and determination.

The Prime Minister praised their dedication and hard work, recognizing their significant role in enhancing the sporting spirit of the country. He pointed out their remarkable skills and commitment, asserting that their love for sports and relentless pursuit of excellence contribute to the nation's pride. He wished them all the best in their future pursuits.

Modi highlighted the extensive competitions scheduled in various cities of Bihar during the Khelo India Youth Games, including Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai. He mentioned that over 6,000 young athletes would participate, carrying their dreams and ambitions with them. He expressed his best wishes to all participants, emphasizing that sports in India is evolving into a unique cultural identity.

“As India's sporting culture flourishes, so will our country's soft power on the international stage,” Modi stated, highlighting the importance of the Khelo India Youth Games as a significant platform for the youth of our nation.

He stressed the necessity of continuous improvement for athletes, advocating for more matches and competitions to enhance their skills. The Prime Minister reiterated that his government has prioritized this aspect in its policies. He noted various sporting events under Khelo India—such as University Games, Youth Games, Winter Games, and Para Games—held throughout the year at numerous levels nationwide.

These ongoing competitions, he said, boost athletes' confidence and bring their skills to the forefront. Citing an example from cricket, he commended Bihar’s own Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his outstanding performance in the IPL at a young age. He emphasized that while Vaibhav’s dedication was crucial, exposure to various competitions significantly shaped his talent. The more an athlete plays, the more they thrive, he remarked, asserting that the Khelo India Youth Games afford young athletes the chance to understand the intricacies of national-level sports and gain invaluable experience.

Stressing that hosting the Olympics in India has been a long-cherished dream for every citizen, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to bringing the Olympics to the nation by 2036. He underscored the government’s focus on identifying sporting talent at the school level and providing them with structured training. Initiatives like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme have significantly contributed to building a robust sports ecosystem, benefiting thousands of athletes across Bihar and the nation. He emphasized the importance of offering athletes opportunities to explore a variety of sports.

Modi noted that the Khelo India Youth Games have included traditional and indigenous games such as Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Kho-Kho, Mallakhamb, and even Yogasana, promoting India’s rich sporting heritage. He acknowledged the rising presence of Indian athletes in new and emerging sports, highlighting commendable recent performances in disciplines like Wushu, Sepak Takraw, Pencak Silat, Lawn Bowls, and Roller Skating. He recalled the historic achievement of India’s women’s team winning a medal in Lawn Bowls at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which brought global recognition to the sport in India.

The Prime Minister highlighted the government's commitment to modernizing India's sports infrastructure, noting that the sports budget has increased more than threefold over the past decade, reaching approximately INR 4,000 crore this year, with a significant portion dedicated to infrastructure development. He pointed out that over 1,000 Khelo India Centers are operational nationwide, including more than three dozen in Bihar. He acknowledged the benefits Bihar is receiving from the Union and State governments, with the state government expanding several initiatives at its level. Modi recognized the establishment of the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Rajgir and institutions like Bihar Sports University and the State Sports Academy. He mentioned the ongoing development of a Sports City along the Patna-Gaya Highway and the enhancement of sports facilities in Bihar’s villages. He affirmed that the Khelo India Youth Games will further strengthen Bihar’s position on the national sports map.

“The world of sports and its associated economy extends well beyond the playing field; sports are creating new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship for young individuals,” he remarked.

He highlighted various emerging fields such as physiotherapy, data analytics, sports technology, broadcasting, e-sports, and management, which present diverse career opportunities. He noted that young professionals could explore roles as coaches, fitness trainers, recruitment agents, event managers, sports lawyers, and media experts.

“Today, a stadium is no longer merely a venue for matches but has become a source of thousands of jobs,” Modi stated, emphasizing the growing opportunities in sports entrepreneurship. Initiatives like the establishment of National Sports Universities and the integration of sports into mainstream education through the new National Education Policy further support this growth.

He underscored the importance of sportsmanship in all aspects of life, showcasing how sports instill teamwork, collaboration, and perseverance. Encouraging the athletes, he urged them to perform their best and embody the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ as brand ambassadors. He expressed confidence that the athletes would leave Bihar with cherished memories and encouraged visitors from outside the state to enjoy the flavors of Litti Chokha and Bihar’s famous Makhana.

With hopes that the Khelo India Youth Games would elevate both the spirit of sportsmanship and patriotism among participants, the Prime Minister officially declared the commencement of the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games.