Khelo India University Games get off to a grand start in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: In a spectacular grand ceremony, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu declared the Khelo India University Games open in Bengaluru yesterday evening. More than 4,000 sportspersons from 200 Universities across India are participating in the 10-day event. In his address, the Vice President laid emphasis on the sporting capabilities of Indians and their potential to perform if given proper opportunities. 

He stressed the need to encourage indigenous games like kabaddi and Kho Kho. Vice President said, the performance of Indians in International events has brought laurels to the country. Mr Naidu advocated a healthy lifestyle and consumption of indigenous food and avoiding junk food. He said Indian food is best for providing nutrition to us. He appreciated the performance of para-athletes who won 19 medals in the recent international event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that a holistic approach and 100 percent dedication are the key requirements of success in sports. Sharing his message at the inauguration of the Khelo India University Games, Mr Modi underlined the importance of team spirit as the first mantra of success. He said, strengths and learnings from the sports field also takes one forward in life. He emphasised that sports, in real sense, is the genuine support system of life. 

The Prime Minister also drew similarities between sports and life with regards to various aspects such as passion, challenges, learning from defeat, integrity and ability to live in the moment. He said, wearing the victory well and learning from defeat is an important art that we learn in the sports field.

 

The Prime Minister said that the Khelo India University Games in Bengaluru will add to the energy of this beautiful city as  Bengaluru symbolizes the youthful enthusiasm of the country and is pride of the professionals. He said, it is significant that a



confluence of startups and sports is happening there. 

Mr Modi added that organization of the Games amidst the challenges of the pandemic epitomizes the determination and passion of New India. He said, this youthful passion is driving India in every field with new momentum.

The Prime Minister told the athletes that they are the youth of New India and they are also the flag bearers of Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat. Mr Modi added that the Youthful thinking and approach is shaping the country’s policies today. The Prime Minister said  today’s youth has made fitness a mantra of country’s progress and many initiatives are freeing the sports from the shackles of old mode of thinking. The Prime Minister highlighted that measures like emphasis on sports in the new education policy, modern infrastructure for sports, transparent selection process or increasing use of modern technology in sports are fast becoming the identity of New India.

Speaking on the occasion the Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said that the Games provide a platform to the budding sportsmen of India. It is a vision of the Prime Minister to organise the Games in a bid to create opportunities for the sportspersons to showcase their capabilities. 

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai addressed the opening ceremony by saying that it is an honour for Bengaluru to host the event. He said that the Khelo India game is also an opportunity for sportsmen from different parts of the country to meet at a point. 

Governor Thawarchand Gehlot said that sporting culture will promote a healthy lifestyle. A laser show, mallakhamb performance and drum beats by several cultural troupes enthralled the audience during the inaugural ceremony. Music Director Chandan Shetty sang the anthem song of Khelo India.