PM Modi Inaugurates 7th Khelo India Youth Games, Lauds Growing Sports Culture
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games through videoconferencing and addressed athletes, coaches, and officials participating in the event. The Games are being held across five cities in Bihar—Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai.
In his address, the Prime Minister commended the spirit of the young athletes, calling them “symbols of determination and dedication.” He said the youth participating in the Games represent the rising sporting culture in India, which is rapidly becoming a part of the nation’s cultural identity.
“As India’s sporting culture grows, so will the country’s soft power on the global stage,” said PM Modi, adding that the Khelo India Youth Games provide an important platform for youth to showcase their skills and gain experience in national-level competitions.
The Prime Minister said that over 6,000 young athletes from across the country are participating in this edition of the Games. He extended his best wishes to all the participants and applauded their commitment to excellence.
PM Modi emphasised the importance of regular competition for the growth of athletes, stating that their government has prioritised this through various national-level sporting events such as the Khelo India University Games, Youth Games, Winter Games, and Para Games.
“The more an athlete plays, the more they thrive,” said PM Modi, citing the example of young cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Bihar, whose performance in the IPL reflects the impact of consistent exposure and competitive play.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to realising the dream of hosting the Olympics in India by 2036. Stressing the importance of early talent identification, he said initiatives like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) are nurturing young athletes from the school level.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the inclusion of India’s traditional games in the Khelo India platform, such as Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Kho-Kho, Mallakhamb, and Yogasana. He said this step preserves India’s sporting heritage while promoting physical fitness among the youth.
He acknowledged the increasing achievements of Indian athletes in emerging sports such as Wushu, Sepak Takraw, Pencak Silat, Lawn Bowls, and Roller Skating. Recalling a historic moment, he said, “India’s women’s team winning a medal in Lawn Bowls at the 2022 Commonwealth Games brought global recognition to the sport in the country.”
The Prime Minister said that the sports budget has tripled in the last decade, reaching approximately ₹4,000 crore this year. A significant portion of this, he said, is dedicated to infrastructure development.
He added that over 1,000 Khelo India Centres are now functional across the country, with more than three dozen operating in Bihar. He also noted the establishment of the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Rajgir and institutions such as the Bihar Sports University and the State Sports Academy.
PM Modi highlighted ongoing development projects, including the construction of a Sports City along the Patna-Gaya Highway and the creation of sports facilities in rural areas. He said these efforts would further strengthen Bihar’s position on the national sports map.
Speaking on the economic dimension of sports, the Prime Minister said, “The world of sports and its associated economy extend far beyond the playing field. Sports are creating new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship for young individuals.”
He listed physiotherapy, data analytics, sports technology, broadcasting, e-sports, and event management as emerging sectors offering career opportunities. He added that stadiums today are no longer limited to matches but serve as employment hubs.
The Prime Minister said sportsmanship instils key values like teamwork, collaboration, and perseverance in every sphere of life. He urged the athletes to uphold these values and serve as ambassadors of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
Expressing confidence in the transformative power of the Games, he said, “I am confident that the Khelo India Youth Games will elevate both the spirit of sportsmanship and patriotism among our youth.”
The Prime Minister then formally declared the seventh Khelo India Youth Games open.
