New Delhi (The Hawk): Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu will declare the second Khelo India University Games 2021 open at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium, Bengluru on Sunday. Governor of Karnataka Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Minister of Home Affairs Shri Amit Shah, Chief Minister Shri Basavaraj Bommai, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman, Union Minister Of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Nisith Pramanik will be the Guests of Honours.A star-studded line-up of past and present athletes who have brought glory to the nation will grace the opening ceremony of the Games.Karnataka Minister of Youth Empowerment and Sports Shri Narayana Gowda, will be among the guests of honour. Karnataka MLC Shri Basavaraj Horatti, Minister of Higher Education; IT &amp; BT, Science &amp; Technology, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship &amp; Livelihood Dr Ashwathnarayan CN. Shivaji Nagar MLC Rizwan Arshad will also grace the occasion.Over 2,500 attendees including delegates from across the country will assemble in the Stadium to witness a cultural programme designed to reflect the essence of Karnataka’s rich cultural tradition while a laser show promises to leave audience mesmerised and showcase the State as one in which technology has flourished.The Khelo India University Games 2021, hosted by Jain University with unparalleled support ftom the Karnataka State Government and the Sports Authority of India will be India’s biggest sporting event and first mass participative competition post the Pandemic that spread almost as soon as the curtain came down on the inaugural edition in Bhubaneshwar.Through the Khelo India University Games 2021, the Karnataka Government is also focusing on a pressing issue - environmental sustainability. Everything used in the Games outside the field of play will be made of reusable material; Electric vehicles will be used to transport athletes and all waste will be segregated as wet and dry at the source in every venue. KIUG 2021 will be a Green Games.About 3879 competitors from 200-plus universities will be in action across 20 different disciplines including indigenous sports like Mallakhamba and Yogasana. The Kanteerava Stadium Complex will host Athletics and Basketball while Shooting will be held in the SAI Campus and Hockey competitions at the Cariappa Stadium. All others events will be in the Jain educational institution premises.Over 8000 participants, coaches and officials taking part in the KIUG 2021 have access to first-of-its-kind mobile app for any information related to the competition. The one-stop app will have information about accommodation, food, transport service, emergency contacts, maps to reach various venues and important notifications about the Games among other details.Speaking about the opening ceremony, Shri KC Narayan Gowda, Minister of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Government of Karnataka, said: “All preparations are in place for the Opening Ceremony on Sunday. This morning&nbsp;the Vice President Shri Venkaiah Naidu ji has arrived in Bengaluru.”“Apart from all the ministers from Union Government and the state, we will have several top athletes including Prakash Padukone, Pankaj Advani, Anju Bobby George, Ashwini Nachappa, Reet Abraham among many others who have brought laurels for Karnataka and India at the international level attend the ceremony.”The Government of Karnataka has made special arrangements for the participants of the Khelo India University Games 2021, allowing the athletes to carry their sporting equipment on the Bengaluru metro when they travel from their accommodation to their respective competition venues.The State Government has also made tremendous efforts to make the entire Bengaluru city a part of the Khelo India University Games 2021 through hoardings in landmark locations of the city. The participants will enter the KIUG environment right from the time they step out of the railway and bus stations as the Khelo India University Games 2021 advertisement boards will be waiting to welcome them.

Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu will declare the second Khelo India University Games 2021 open at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium, Bengluru on Sunday. Governor of Karnataka Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Minister of Home Affairs Shri Amit Shah, Chief Minister Shri Basavaraj Bommai, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman, Union Minister Of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Nisith Pramanik will be the Guests of Honours.A star-studded line-up of past and present athletes who have brought glory to the nation will grace the opening ceremony of the Games.

VP To Declare Khelo India University Games 2021 Open April 24

Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu will declare the second Khelo India University Games 2021 open at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium, Bengluru on Sunday. Governor of Karnataka Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Minister of Home Affairs Shri Amit Shah, Chief Minister Shri Basavaraj Bommai, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman, Union Minister Of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Nisith Pramanik will be the Guests of Honours.A star-studded line-up of past and present athletes who have brought glory to the nation will grace the opening ceremony of the Games.





New Delhi (India) (The Hawk): Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday interacted with participants from various universities ahead of the Khelo India University Games 2021 in BengaluruThe Union Minister paid a surprise visit to the Jain University Global Campus-venue for 13 disciplines including new additions Mallakhamba and Yogasana.He walked to various sporting arenas and took cognizance of the arrangements made for the participants to ensure they have a memorable event at the KIUG.Reminiscent of his playing days as a cricketer, the minister said, “Jain University along with the Karnataka State Government is doing a fantastic job of hosting these events with best facilities for athletes taking part in the Khelo India University Games. Watching these athletes here today, I am reminded of my University days when I played cricket. In some of the tournaments held in places like Darbhanga and Samastipur in Bihar, the facilities used to not be up to the mark. But infrastructure has improved so much today and you can see the kind of facilities being provided here for athletes. Our initiative through the KIUG is to provide athletes with a platform that is on par with international standards.” Advising the budding athletes of the country, Thakur said, “Play in the spirit of sportsmanship. I would advice them to propagate clean sports and not use performance enhancements drugs. That is why we have NADA here to give athletes the right information and create more awareness about doping particularly among young athletes at the university level.” The minister arrived at the Volleyball venue in the morning when the matches between HRM (Himachal Pradesh University) and AWU (Adamas University West Bengal) in the women’s section and SRM university Chennai and AWU in the men’s section were underway. He interacted with both the teams and wished them good luck for their upcoming matches. He also had an interaction with the referees and the audience too. Apart from this, the minister indulged in a round of volleyball himself.

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday interacted with participants from various universities ahead of the Khelo India University Games 2021 in Bengaluru

 Anurag interacts with participants from various  Varsities ahead of Khelo India University Games 

New Delhi(The Hawk): The Khelo India University Games 2021 were declared open by the Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu in Bengaluru today. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi shared his message at the inauguration of the Khelo India University Games virtually during the inaugural ceremony.Governor of Karnataka Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot; Chief Minister Shri Basavaraj Bommai; Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur; Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Nisith Pramanik; Secretary Sports Smt Sujata Chaturvedi&nbsp;were among those present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the Vice President , Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu&nbsp;emphasised the need to encourage sporting activity upto village level, he called for developing the necessary sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, with concerted efforts of the centre, state and local bodies. Together, these will take the Indian sporting potential to new heights, he added. The Vice President also called for awarding some extra marks to sportspersons in college admissions and promotions in various departments. “Incentives like this will go a long way in encouraging the sports in the country,” he said.The Vice President gave a call to return to our roots and asked all stakeholders to give top priority to our indigenous and rural sports. He expressed happiness over the fact that this edition of Khelo India would feature 20 sports disciplines with indigenous sports like Yogasana and Mallakhamba introduced for the first time. “This is very important in order to preserve and promote our rural and indigenous games which are rooted in tradition and are a part of our cultural heritage,” he saidIn his message, the Prime Minister said that Bengaluru symbolizes the youthful enthusiasm of the country and is pride of the professionals. He said that it is significant that a confluence of startups and sports is happening here. “Holding of the Khelo India University Games in Bengaluru will add to the energy of this beautiful city.”, he said. The Prime Minister saluted the resolve of the organizers as organization of the Games amidst the challenges of the pandemic epitomizes their determination and passion. This youthful passion is driving New India in every field with new momentum, the Prime Minister added. The Prime Minister underlined the importance of team spirit as the first mantra of success. “This team spirit we get to learn from sports. You will experience it directly in the Khelo India University Games. This team spirit also gives us a new way of looking at life”, the Prime Minister said. Similarly, holistic approach and 100 percent dedication are the key requirements of success in sports. Strengths and learnings from the sports field also takes one forward in life. “Sports, in real sense, is the genuine support system of life”, Shri Modi emphasized. 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. “Wearing the victory well and learning from defeat is an important art that we learn in the sports field”, he said.Welcoming nearly 4000 athletes to India’s tech capital Bengaluru, the Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri Basavaraj Bommai expressed, “It is our pleasure and privilege to host Khelo India University Games 2021 in Bengaluru. It adds to our pleasure that Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu, and&nbsp;Hon’ble Union Minister Of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Thakur joined us at the Opening Ceremony of such an important tournament in Bengaluru. KIUG 2021 is a great opportunity for us to prove our hospitality and our dedication to maintaining the national integrity of our nation and culture. PM Narendra Modi has given the impetus and a new dimension to our sporting world with his mission of Khelo India.”Union Minister Of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur said, “When the first KIUG took place in Odisha, there was great pride and enthusiasm among people. But then, all our lives were affected by Covid and we had to wait nearly two years to return with Khelo India University Games 2021. After two years, it is the first opportunity for us to assemble together for the University Games and I see a similar passion among the youngsters this time around. With close to 4000 participants from nearly 200 Universities, this is the largest multi-discipline event taking place in the state of Karnataka. I visited the hosts, Jain University, and met over 500 enthusiastic athletes who will be taking part in the competition. I was also very happy to see that world-class facilities have been provided for the Games there, which are truly one of the best all-around in the world.” Breath-taking performances depicting Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage, Mallakhambha , Yogasana&nbsp;and a captivating sound and light show added to the grandeur of a sparkling opening ceremony of the 2nd Khelo India University Games 2021 at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium on Sunday, 24th April 2022. Representing the hosts Jain University in KIUG 2021, the youngest Indian swimmer to achieve Olympic standard time – Srihari Nataraj took the oath on behalf of all athletes after the Games were declared open by Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu. Sports legends such as Vimal Kumar, Anju Bobby George, Reeth Abraham, Ashwini Nachappa, Malathi Holla, BR Beedu, AB Subbiah, SV Sunil, VR Raghunath were also part of the opening ceremony were KY Venkatesh, Sahana SM, Shashikanth Naik, Sahana SM, Manikandan,&nbsp;Thanya Hemanth, Farman Basha. KIUG 2021 anthem a big hit While a line-up of cultural programmes such as dollu kunitha, a traditional folk dance enthralled the audience of 2500 attendees, a peppy dance ensemble for the Khelo India University Games Anthem composed by pop icon Chandan Shetty got the spectators tapping their feet to the catchy number. High octane performances by drummers – Kerala Chande, Nashik Dhols &amp; Punjabi dhols from across the country set the mood of the 10-day sporting event which has drawn participation from various parts of the nation. New addition to this year’s Khelo India University Games, Mallakhamba, a traditional sport dating back to the 12th century which showcases the skillset of youth in an indigenous manner, was also intricately displayed during the opening ceremony. This was followed by an amazing acrobatic performance by popular youth artists Kings United left the young audience wanting more. A host of sports fans braved the tightened security to witness the opening ceremony on a giant screen erected outside the stadium. The opening ceremony was broadcast on DD Sports, All India Radio, and Radio City.

 The Khelo India University Games 2021 were declared open by the Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu in Bengaluru today. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi shared his message at the inauguration of the Khelo India University Games virtually during the inaugural ceremony.

Khelo India University Games 2021 kick off with a glitzy opening ceremony

New Dehli (The Hawk): Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Thakur met virtually with Haryana Chief Minister Shri Manohar Lal at the Organizing and Coordinating Committee meeting of Khelo India Youth Games 2021, to review the preparedness of the State in organising the upcoming games, scheduled from 4th-13th&nbsp;June. Shri Sardar Sandeep Singh, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Govt of Haryana, was also present along with other officials from the State and the Sports Authority of India in the meeting.The Games, to take place for the U-18 age category, will be held in Shahbad, Ambala, Chandigarh and Delhi apart from Panchkula. Around 8500 players will participate in these games. It will feature a total of 25 sports, including 5 indigenous games of India. Laying out a detailed information plan to the Union Sports Minister, Shri Manohar Lal mentioned that preparations are up and running for the smooth conduct of the Games.Better infrastructure ready for sportsThe Chief Minister said that on May 8, a mascot and logo of Khelo India Youth Games would be launched at Indradhanush Auditorium in Panchkula. For this, extensive preparations have been completed. He said that 2-3 multipurpose halls, synthetic track, athletic track have been constructed for sports. Apart from this, the work of auditorium in Badminton Hall, Government Women's College, Sector 14, Panchkula has also been completed. He said that the construction work of Hockey Stadium Panchkula and Shahbad has also been almost completed. Shri Manohar Lal also mentioned that the all-weather swimming pool has been completed in Ambala.Sports competitions will be resonating with Haryanvi cultureThe Chief Minister said that cultural programs full of Haryanvi culture would be organized in these games and during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the story of innumerable heroes of freedom struggle and introduction of excellent players of the state would be shown in the exhibition so that the young generation could take inspiration from them. He said that a promotion event program would be organized in Gurugram on May 13 for the games.Focus will be on the theme dedicated to the daughters of HaryanaUnion Sports Minister Shri Anurag Thakur said that a commendable work has been done in Haryana to save the girl child. Apart from this, the women players of the state have also hoisted the flag in every game organized abroad. He said that in order to increase the interest of the students towards more sports, focus should be given on the theme dedicated to sports. Work should be done with new ideas in Khelo India Youth Games so that there is more discussion about Haryana across the country. He said that in these games to be held in June, the rules of Covid-19 should be fully followed and full arrangements should be made for testing etc. for the players.

 Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Thakur met virtually with Haryana Chief Minister Shri Manohar Lal at the Organizing and Coordinating Committee meeting of Khelo India Youth Games 2021, to review the preparedness of the State in organising the upcoming games, scheduled from 4th-13th June.

Anurag & Khattar review state’s preparedness of   Khelo India Youth Games 2021	

Sachin Gupta leads a clean sweep in recurve, Lovely Professional University rise to second

New Delhi (The Hawk): Winning the gold in 86-92kg light heavyweight category in men’s boxing at the Khelo India University Games here at the Jain University Global Campus has reinstated Nitin Kumar’s confidence whose career graph nose-dived after he sustained a shoulder injury in 2019 after his silver-medal outing in Khelo India Youth Games in Pune. Having represented India at the Youth Amateur World Championship in 2018, and a host of other international events held in Thailand, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Nitin was on the right path to achieve success in the international stage. But the injury in 2019, left him in doubt of a career in the competitive contact sport. “The injury really set me back by a few years. I was adviced to not train for almost 9 months. In 2020, when I was ready to hit the ring again, the pandemic struck and lockdown forced me to stay indoors. My hopes of a comeback remained in a limbo,” recalls Nitin, who beat Anmol of Lovely Professional University in the final. Recalling those days when he was out of action, Nitin said: “I doubted myself and I was mentally very disturbed. When I saw my compatriots participate at the AIBA World Boxing Championship in Serbia last year, it further affected me mentally." also put on nearly 20 kilos during this time which meant I could no longer participate in my weight category. Those were the darkest days of my life but my family backed me a lot during this time,” an emotional Nitin said.Having gone through months of self-doubt and struggle to reach desired form, Nitin finally feels like he is ready for bigger events. “Winning in the Khelo India University Games has brought back the lost confidence. I had not competed in any event over the past two years so winning back-to-back gold medals in Khelo India University Games and All India University Games gives me a sense of assurance that I can bounce back in the sport and look forward to represent India again. This win has motivated me to work harder and I know I can bounce back,” he said. Next, Nitin’s aim is to reduce his weight and aim to participate in the 80kg category. He will make his next appearance in the Senior National Championship later this year and hopes for a good show at the World University Games. “I always participated in the 75kg category before my injury. Now, my aim is to work on losing weight and start competing in the 80 kg category. For my height and physique, that is the best category and I am sure of doing well,” he added. &nbsp;

 Winning the gold in 86-92kg light heavyweight category in men’s boxing at the Khelo India University Games here at the Jain University Global Campus has reinstated Nitin Kumar’s confidence whose career graph nose-dived after he sustained a shoulder injury in 2019 after his silver-medal outing in Khelo India Youth Games in Pune.

Making a comeback after two-year injury break, Nitin beats self-doubt to clinch gold in boxing at KIUG	

The occasion of May Day remained momentous for young archers across India as they performed their best at the Khelo India Zonal Archery Tournament on Sunday. The tournament, organized by the Archery Association of India (AAI), saw participation from 600 archers across 4 Zones. The venues were Sports Authority of India National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) in Sonepat, Imphal, Kolkata, Guwahati and Aurangabad.

Khelo India Zonal Archery tournament held successfully across 5 SAI NCOEs on May Day

The occasion of May Day remained momentous for young archers across India as they performed their best at the Khelo India Zonal Archery Tournament on Sunday. The tournament, organized by the Archery Association of India (AAI), saw participation from 600 archers across 4 Zones. The venues were Sports Authority of India National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) in Sonepat, Imphal, Kolkata, Guwahati and Aurangabad.



New Delhi (The Hawk): The sports fans across India have been treated with fantastic kabaddi over the years and the game provided the same excitement at the Khelo India University Games 2021 at the Jain University campus in Bengaluru.Post the Semi-final matches on Monday, an exciting&nbsp;final clash between Chaudhary Bansi Lal University and University of Kota has been set up much to the delight of the local fans. Chaudhary Bansi Lal University (CBLU) defeated Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) 41-35 in the semis, while University of Kota booked a place in the Final after defeating Dr. C. V. Raman University 39-34. When asked about their final clash against University of Kota, CBLU Captain Yogesh Kumar didn't hold back in saying, "Gold toh hamara hi hai. We have a lot of confidence in ourselves. We have worked so hard and therefore we will definitely take the Gold. It feels really good to play at a high-level tournament like the Khelo India University Games. We are motivated to achieve something and take the Gold."The 23-year-old also shared thoughts about his mother's impact on his life, "My mother has played a huge role in my life as my father passed away when I was two years old. I attain some income through tournaments and we also have income from our farm and that's how we are acquiring our needs. I have two elder brothers as well, who take care of our family. When I walk on the mat for the Final, I will keep my mother and coach in my mind."Meanwhile, the Captain of the University of Kota kabaddi team - Ashish Badersa also felt confident about his team's chances, "It feels great to be in the Final. We are quite confident about our abilities ahead of the Final. Our team has played really well. The teams competed well in the tournament and it was tough to reach the summit clash. As a Captain, I am really happy with the side's performance."It hasn't been an easy year for the University of Kota Captain. Before taking the mat in the Final, Badersa will certainly have his father on his mind, "My father passed away last year due to a heart problem. He used to work as a peon in a school. However, we still receive my father's salary and that's how we are running our home. It's been difficult post my father's passing, but we have enough support from my uncle and aunt."The Chaudhary Bansi Lal University will take on University of Kota in the Final of the Men's kabaddi competition at the Khelo India University Games 2021 on Tuesday.

The sports fans across India have been treated with fantastic kabaddi over the years and the game provided the same excitement at the Khelo India University Games 2021 at the Jain University campus in Bengaluru.

We Will Definitely Win Gold: Chaudhary Bansi Lal University Kabaddi Captain

The sports fans across India have been treated with fantastic kabaddi over the years and the game provided the same excitement at the Khelo India University Games 2021 at the Jain University campus in Bengaluru.




Bengaluru: Hosts Jain University clinched the Khelo India University Games championship title after finishing on top of the standings with 32 medals, including 20 golds, here on Tuesday.Besides 20 gold, Jain University also bagged seven silver and five bronze medals to finish win the overall crown in the Games, which concluded on Tuesday after 10 days of high octane sporting action. Jain University sealed the title a day in advance on Monday, courtesy Priya Mohan's exploits on the track and two gold in karate (Syed Baba in the 55kg and another in the team men kumite).Lovely Professional University (17 gold, 15 silver, 19 bronze) finished second while defending champions Punjab University had to be satisfied with the third spot (15 gold, 9 silver, 24 bronze). In total 97 KIUG records were broken or equalled in the competition. A mind boggling 42 were in weightlifting, 28 came in the pool, while 23 came in athletics. Two national records were also broken in the competition -- Siva Sridhar setting a new mark in the men's 200m individual medley and MT Ann Mariya breaking the clean and jerk record in the women' weightlifting +87kg class.Sridhar was the runaway athlete of the Games, winning seven golds and two silvers. The swimmer also set a new KIUG mark with each gold he won in the pool. Swimmer Shrungi Bandekar's four gold and one silver made her the most successful female athlete of the Games. Mohan's 200m, 400m double secured her spot as the most dominant athlete on the track.—IANS

 Hosts Jain University clinched the Khelo India University Games championship title after finishing on top of the standings with 32 medals, including 20 golds, here on Tuesday. Besides 20 gold, Jain University also bagged seven silver and five bronze medals to finish win the overall crown in the Games, which concluded on Tuesday after 10 days of high octane sporting action. 

Jain University Clinches KIUG Crown

 Hosts Jain University clinched the Khelo India University Games championship title after finishing on top of the standings with 32 medals, including 20 golds, here on Tuesday. Besides 20 gold, Jain University also bagged seven silver and five bronze medals to finish win the overall crown in the Games, which concluded on Tuesday after 10 days of high octane sporting action. 






Chandigarh: Mallakhamb has been referred to as a poor man’s sport as its purveyors have mostly hailed from the deprived sections of the society. Poor or not, the sport is gaining popularity in the country ever since the Union Sports Ministry recognized it, allowing its connoisseurs to form their own National Sports Federation.“Have you ever seen a boy from a sophisticated family climb a pole in chaddis (boxers)?,” quipped a young Mallakhamb contestant from Haryana as he prepared for the Khelo India Youth Games in which it will be seen for the first time as a demonstration sport. “Now, we proudly hold the nationals and players receive certificates and the medallists a scholarship of Rs 10,000 per month too,” Ramesh Indolia, President of Mallakhamb Federation of India, revealed.“But even top Mallakhamb practitioners often end up as street performers or circus artistes for lack of opportunities. In fact, after seeing their jaw-dropping acrobats on reality shows, people think it’s only a demonstration sport,” Indolia said. “It’s truly amazing that almost all the coaches at the 100 vyayamshala centres and academies across the country work as volunteers, keeping the sport alive.” To turn this traditional art into a modern sports event, the rules and points system have been standardized, with a player judged on a scale of 10 points, just like in gymnastics.The sport’s gaining acceptance can be gauged by the fact that 45 countries have already taken it up as a sport Girls and boys both display their aerial yoga skills in 18 to 24 postures. While boys display their skills on a pole, rope or even a hanging pole, the girls stick to the pole and the rope. In the Khelo India Youth Games, starting in Haryana on June 4, 16 states are expected to field their teams, adding up to an impressive total of over 240 players.—IANS

Mallakhamb has been referred to as a poor man’s sport as its purveyors have mostly hailed from the deprived sections of the society. Poor or not, the sport is gaining popularity in the country ever since the Union Sports Ministry recognized it, allowing its connoisseurs to form their own National Sports Federation.

Mallakhamb Will Be A Special Draw At Khelo India Youth Games

Hyderabad: Telangana's Esha Singh might have already emerged as one of India's future shooting hopes but she can never forget where it all began. "As a 9-year-old, I used to accompany my father (Sachin Singh) and his friend Gautam to the shooting range in Gachibowli," said Esha, fresh from her exploits in the ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl (Germany)."I loved the shotgun and the rifle but they were too heavy for me," she laughed. "So, I opted for the much-lighter pistol. It was love at first sight. My romance with it began there and then itself."Esha didn't have to wait too long for her high point, though. "I was barely 15 when I was handed the honour of being the flag-bearer of my State in the Khelo India Games. So, Pune 2019 will always have a special place in my heart," she said. She, of course, won a gold medal in the 10m air pistol event and a silver in the 10m team event, making it even more memorable.Now, 17 years old and preparing for the Team India trials, she is thankful to the Khelo Games for propelling her career. "It is a perfect platform for athletes to showcase their talent. One not only gets recognition here but it also helps in building one's confidence for the big events," she said.And Esha is clearly set for the big ones. She has already competed in four Junior World Cups, returning with her best haul in the recent one in Suhl (Germany). She won three gold medals."This World Cup was the most challenging one because it was very cold in Suhl. For the first time, I got a chance to compete with Saurabh Chaudhary in the mixed pairs in the 10m event and we triumphed. As a team, we also excelled in the women's 10m (with Manu Bhaker and Palak) and 25 metres event (with Manu and Rhythm Sangwan)," she pointed out. Esha has now set her eyes on the 2024 Paris Olympics. "With the Asian Games postponed and shooting events being removed from this year's Commonwealth Games, I am focussing on the Paris Olympics in 2024. I know it takes a lot of effort to get there (winning a gold) But I'm willing to put that effort." The young shooter's first big moment came in the 2018 Senior Nationals in Kerala, where she won seven medals, even beating the likes of Manu Bhaker and Heena Sidhu. "That changed me completely. I don't feel nervous anymore," she added.—IANS

Telangana's Esha Singh might have already emerged as one of India's future shooting hopes but she can never forget where it all began.

Top gun Esha Singh thanks Khelo India Games for propelling her

Panchkula: Panchkula has laid out the red carpet for close to 4,700 athletes, including 2,262 girls, and their support staff as the biggest Khelo India Youth Games ever are set to start from June 4.The Tau Devi Lal Complex (TDCL) here has been decked up for the grand Opening Ceremony. It will also be the hub of all action, with several of the 25 disciplines being held at the newly constructed Multi-Purpose Halls. Among the popular games being held here are Athletics, Football, Badminton, Table Tennis, Kabaddi, Handball, Wrestling, Volleyball, Boxing and the five Indigenous Games. Four other cities, Ambala (Gymnastics, Swimming), Shahabad (Hockey, Chandigarh (Archery and Football) and New Delhi (Cycling and Shooting), will also play the role of hosts. For the first time, all 36 states and Union Territories are taking part in this edition of the Khelo India Youth Games, with hosts Haryana fielding the largest contingent of 398 athletes.Defending champions Maharashtra are fielding the second-largest contingent with 357 athletes and third-placed Delhi 339. Andaman &amp; Nicobar are sending the smallest squad of six, all cyclists, while Ladakh will boast of seven. The glamour discipline of athletics will see the maximum participation with 392 entries in various events. Wrestling, where India's international prospects are rather bright, will attract 323 grapplers while some of India's most promising swimmers will be among the field of 251 who hope to make waves in the pool.In boxing, 236 pugilists will be trading their flying fists in the ring. Among the Olympic team disciplines, hockey will witness 288 players wielding their wands while an equal number will indulge in a kickabout in football. Of the traditional Indian team sports, kabaddi and kho-kho will feature 192 participants each. The four new indigenous sports - gatka (227), mallakhamb (218), kalariyapattu (187) and thang ta (140) - have attracted an enthusiastic response from participants along with the more familiar discipline of yogasana (87). The Cricket Stadium in Panchkula will host these events along with kho-kho.The most heated action in the individual events will be witnessed in swimming and athletics where 114 and 96 medals respectively will be at stake. Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Delhi will be vying for top honours in swimming while Kerala, whose star athletes have mostly kept away due to the off season, will strive hard to set the track on fire. "Haryana is a sporting state and we are keen on creating an atmosphere at the Games that everybody will enjoy," Satyadev Malik, Deputy Director of Haryana sports department, said.—IANS

Panchkula has laid out the red carpet for close to 4,700 athletes, including 2,262 girls, and their support staff as the biggest Khelo India Youth Games ever are set to start from June 4.

Around 4,700 athletes set to battle in Khelo India Youth Games

Panchkula has laid out the red carpet for close to 4,700 athletes, including 2,262 girls, and their support staff as the biggest Khelo India Youth Games ever are set to start from June 4.



New Delhi: Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah will be the chief guest at the launch of the Khelo India Youth Games 2021 in Panchkula, Haryana, on Saturday. This is the fourth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games - the biggest nationwide grassroots level sports competition in India, started by the Central Government in 2018. Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik will also grace the opening ceremony. Besides them, other dignitaries from Haryana including the State Sports Minister Sandeep Singh will also grace the event.Overall, as many as 4,700 athletes, including 2,262 girls, will be vying in 25 sports for 269 gold, 269 silver and 358 bronze medals from the games, which will start on 4th June and will go on until June 13. KIYG 2021 will see participation from 37 States and Union Territories of India. This will be held over 5 cities (Panchkula, Shahbad, Ambala, Chandigarh and Delhi).The games will feature a total of 25 sports, including 5 indigenous games of India - Kalaripayattu, Thang-Ta, Gatka, Mallakhamba and Yogasana. Unlike the previous editions, where the Khelo India Youth Games were held in two age categories, this one will only have Under-18 players competing for the honours.Hosts Haryana have fielded a 396-member contingent, the largest at KIYG 2021, and will compete in every sport. Two-time KIYG champions Maharashtra, meanwhile, are sending a 318-strong contingent and will be competing in 23 of the 25 events in Haryana. Haryana, who have produced multiple Olympics, Paralympics and Asian Games medallists, had clinched the inaugural Khelo India School Games in 2018 to annex the mantle as the number one sporting state. The very next year, Maharashtra, making the most of their home advantage, shot to the top of the table in the event that was renamed as Youth Games. They cornered a whopping 85 gold medals to Haryana's 62 to emerge as the new champions in Pune. Maharashtra reinforced their supremacy in the next edition in Guwahati too, garnering a total of 78 gold medals. The rules of COVID-19 will be fully followed during the Games and full arrangements will be made by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for dope testing etc. for the players.—ANI

Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah will be the chief guest at the launch of the Khelo India Youth Games 2021 in Panchkula, Haryana, on Saturday. This is the fourth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games - the biggest nationwide grassroots level sports competition in India, started by the Central Government in 2018.

Amit Shah to inaugurate Khelo India Youth Games June 3

Panchkula: The battle for supremacy in the Khelo India Youth Games 2021 began with defending champions Maharashtra taking lead in the competition with 9 gold medals, here on Sunday. However, hosts Haryana clawed back into the race, picking up a total of 6 gold to take the second position. They have already garnered the most number of medals though, capturing 23 (5 gold, 6 silver, 12 bronze) to Maharashtra's 17 (9 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze). On a day full of action and exciting twists and turns, two new youth national records were also created in weightlifting.Maharashtra expectedly bagged 3 out of 4 gold on offer in weightlifting, and also 3 in yoga and 1 in cycling while Haryana underlined their dominance on the wrestling mat, gobbling up all five gold up for grabs, and 1 in cycling.Manipur shot to the third place in the medals tally, annexing 4 gold medals in Thang-ta, an indigenous sport added to the Khelo India program for the first time. Maharashtra's Kajol Sargar (women's 40kg) pocketed the first medal of the Games, lifting a total of 113 kg (50kg in snatch and 63 in Clean and Jerk). Her state-mate Harshada Garud then rewrote the Youth National Record in the women's 45kg category as she overcame a stiff challenge from Uttar Pradesh's Anjali Patel. With both lifting 80kg in clean and jerk, it all boiled down to their third and final lift. Garud lifted 83 kg in her second attempt itself to etch her name in the record books while Anjali failed even in her third.Earlier, L Dhanush of Tamil Nadu bagged the Boys 49kg gold medal with a new Snatch record of 88 and an overall lift of 190 kg. Haryana began their medal charge at the cycling velodrome in Delhi as Vrinda Yadav bagged the gold medal in the Girls 7.5kg Scratch Race. The hosts were banking on making a clean sweep of gold medals on the wrestling mat and Ronit Sharma did not disappoint, opening their account in the Boys Greco-Roman 51 kg category when he defeated state-mate Rahul.Sahil Jaglan scored a convincing 10-0 win over Robinpreet Singh of Punjab in the Freestyle 92 kg. Jyoti completed the clean sweep by defeating Maharashtra's Pragati Gaikwad by technical superiority in the Girl's 57kg weight category. Action continued in kabaddi, hockey, volleyball, gymnastics and badminton.—IANS

The battle for supremacy in the Khelo India Youth Games 2021 began with defending champions Maharashtra taking lead in the competition with 9 gold medals, here on Sunday.

KIYG: Maharashtra take lead with 9 gold medals

Panchkula: Haryana's all-conquering grapplers wrestled back the lead for their state in the&nbsp;<a href="https://aninews.in/topic/khelo-india-youth-games" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: transparent;">Khelo India Youth Games</a>, winning 4 out of the 5 gold on offer on the final day of their event here in Panchkula. The hosts collected two more gold in track and field to take their overall tally to 30 gold, 23 silver and 33 bronze to surge past Maharashtra (26 Gold, 25 Silver, 22 Bronze), who could only manage a solitary gold on day six. Elsewhere, in the swimming competition in Ambala, Karnataka began with a splash, creating three new marks while winning four gold. That took their gold tally to 6, following their two in track and field. On the wrestling mat, promising Antim, who was seconds away from beating 2018 Asian Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat during the Commonwealth Games trials, dominated the Girls 53kg category to clinch her second Khelo India gold in three years. She was christened Antim as her parents wanted her, the fifth daughter, to be their last. But she has made it a habit of finishing first every time she enters a competition.<img src="https://aniportalimages.s3.amazonaws.com/media/details/KIYG-_Girls_Discuss_Throw_winner_Kiran_from_Rajasthan_in_action_during_the_Kh_fcoRaWN.jpeg">The Hisar girl proved too strong for her opponents, winning three bouts by technical superiority and one by a fall. In the final, she did face a determined Maharashtra's Kalyani Gadekar but sailed through on her tactical acumen. "I am very happy that I am performing consistently and looking forward to next month's Asian U-20 Championships," she said.The other three gold for Haryana were bagged by Pulkit (Girls 65kg), Sahil (Boys GR 92kg) and Sagar Jaglan (Boys FS 80 kg), taking their wrestling tally to 16 gold, 10 silver and 9 bronze. Maharashtra were a distant second with three gold, with Vaibhav Patil adding the Boys FS 55kg crown to their tally. Madhya Pradesh and Chandigarh wrestlers won one gold each.—ANI

Haryana's all-conquering grapplers wrestled back the lead for their state in the Khelo India Youth Games, winning 4 out of the 5 gold on offer on the final day of their event here in Panchkula.

Haryana wrest back lead in Khelo India Youth Games 2021

Panchkula: <a href="https://www.aninews.in/topic/former-india-high-performance-director-david-john" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: transparent;">Former India High-Performance Director David John</a>&nbsp;believes that the Indian hockey team will peak in the 2028 Olympics, giving itself its best shot in several years at a gold medal. "In the 2024 and 2028 Games, most in the squad will be our current junior World Cup players. They would have played close to 300 Internationals together by then and would be about 30 years each," he pointed out on the sidelines of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/topic/khelo-india-youth-games" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: transparent;">Khelo India Youth Games</a>&nbsp;match, suggesting that the team would have the right experience to absorb any kind of pressure. Indian hockey has shown signs of a heart-warming resurgence, with the men winning a bronze and the women finishing a valiant fourth in the Tokyo Games recently. "These are exciting times for India but many squads - including Germany, Australia, Belgium and Holland - are also getting better," David warned.The High-Performance Director David, who had been with Team India for several years before resigning, is back in the country as Odisha's Director of Hockey. He is excited with his assignment, especially as he has the complete support of the sport-loving Chief Minister of the state, Naveen Patnaik. "It is a challenging role. But if Odisha becomes strong, Indian hockey becomes strong, both in men and women," he explained, confirming that his goal and brief was to make his team Number 1 in the country. In pursuit of this goal, Odisha is already building 20 more synthetic turfs for hockey, and that too in the deepest pockets of the state where extreme poverty co-exists with an abundance of natural talent. "Soon, our kids will play on synthetic and not on grass from the grassroots level itself," he thundered, confirming the well-known notion that this was the only way forward for Indian hockey. "Our next step is to put good coaches in place at each of these new turfs so that they receive the best coaching at the grassroots level itself. In 8 years, you will see a different Odisha in hockey, and hopefully a different India."<img src="https://aniportalimages.s3.amazonaws.com/media/details/Actions_from_the_girls_semi_finals_hockey_match_between_Odisha_Yellow_and_Utt_Y3WeFG8.jpeg">The much-respected Australian expressed amazement at the dribbling skills of Indians but insisted that they needed to sacrifice them to become a world force again. "Don't try to dribble past your opponents. Modern hockey is all about 3D and aerial skills. Fortunately, these youngsters have all imbibed these skills," he said, pointing to the rapid flow of the match. "Our players are quick and adept at attacking but they lose the ball in the rival D as they run too close to the defenders. Worse, that allows the other side to counter-attack with devastating effect," David, who looked at ease, said. Odisha boys have won the bronze medal at the KIYG and their girls are scheduled to clash in the final with Haryana.—ANI

Former India High-Performance Director David John believes that the Indian hockey team will peak in the 2028 Olympics, giving itself its best shot in several years at a gold medal.

Indian hockey is poised for ultimate glory in 2028 Olympics: David John

New Delhi (The Hawk): A half-time pep talk and a change in tactics helped underdogs Tamil Nadu upset fancied Haryana in a stunning 3-2 come from behind victory, storming into the girls football final of the Khelo India Youth Games 2021 on Friday. They will face Jharkhand who blanked Gujarat 3-0 in the other semi-final through first-half goals. Tamil Nadu has incidentally lost 0-6 to Jharkhand in the league phase of the tournament. In a thrilling semi-final played at the Panjab University ground, champions Haryana deservingly went two goals up through Nisha who scored in the last minute of the first half and Aarti who doubled the lead in added time. However, Tamil Nadu coach S Gokila refused to throw in the towel. “I told my players all is not lost. This is just half-time and we still have another 45 minutes to go. You score one goal and then add another in the next five minutes,” she revealed.Gokila also moved Mahalaxmi from the right wing to centre-forward position and the commerce student from AVS College in Salem responded with a brace in the 53rd and 68th minutes to help the southerners draw level. Just when the game was headed for a tie-breaker, Tamil Nadu, who troubled the hosts with their sporadic raids, got the match-winner through another such foray in the 91st minute. Yuva Rani, a BA economics student of SDNB College and the daughter of daily wage earners, bundled in the ball with the shell-shocked Haryanvis in disarray. The hosts have only themselves to blame for their defeat despite being the better team and impressing with their possession play and neat short passes. They squandered a few sitters in the second half. In the other semi-final, a brace by Babita Kumari in the 26th and 38th minutes and another goal by Alpha Kandulna two minutes later helped Jharkhand score a facile 3-0 win over Gujarat.

A half-time pep talk and a change in tactics helped underdogs Tamil Nadu upset fancied Haryana in a stunning 3-2 come from behind victory, storming into the girls football final of the Khelo India Youth Games 2021 on Friday.

Underdogs Tamil Nadu upset fancied Haryana in Girls football semifinal

Bhopal: A mobile application specifically designed for the athletes competing in the next Khelo India Youth Games has been launched by the Ministry of Sports.
From the 30th of January to the 11th of February, the Games will be held in Bhopal.
With just the touch of a button, the app will make it possible to access any and all information regarding the Games. Athletes have the opportunity, prior to the beginning of the Games, to use the app to check and see if their validated documents have been successfully uploaded.—Inputs from Agencies

A mobile application specifically designed for the athletes competing in the next Khelo India Youth Games has been launched by the Ministry of Sports

Sports Ministry launches app for KIYG 2023

Lucknow News: HAR Hockey Academy and SAI BAL Team registered victories in their respective games on the fourth day of the Khelo India Women's Hockey League (U-21 -Phase 2), here.

In the first game of the day, HAR Hockey Academy defeated HIM Hockey Academy 7-3. Bhateri (4', 47') opened the account for HAR Hockey Academy followed by goals from Pooja (14', 18'), Seema (23'), and Shashi Khasha (35', 52').

The goal scorers for HIM Hockey Academy were Subham (22'), Simranjeet Kaur (32'), and Rajni (59').

In the final game of the day, SAI BAL Team defeated Salute Hockey Academy 9-0. The goals were scored by Team Captain Priyanka (25'), Ritu Devi Laishram (27', 29', 43'), Seema Anandrao Pawar (35', 37', 53'), Nilam Kachhap (37'), and Dechamma P.G (51'). IANS

HAR Hockey Academy and SAI BAL Team registered victories in their respective games on the fourth day of the Khelo India Women's Hockey League.

Khelo India WHL: HAR Hockey Academy beat HIM Hockey Academy 7-3

The Hawk: It’s an exciting time for sports in India. India has always had a promising and large pool of sporting talent. What was needed was modifying the existing policies and bringing newer ones that match their needs and aspirations. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government is in mission mode to transform the sports landscape of the country by focusing on grassroots-level talent identification, sports infrastructure building, support to elite athletes, and creating an ecosystem that provides equal opportunities to women, divyangjan, and youth from even the remotest corners of the country. The success stories as well the stories of grit, struggle and determination of multiple sportspersons, of every age group, have found a place in the Prime Minister’s ‘Mann ki Baat’ and the hearts of the nation. &nbsp;
Khelo India has been a game changer. In fact, Khelo India Games have become like the mini-Olympics of India. The incentive of being recognised at the national level has given the impetus to not only the young athletes but also the individual States to develop their own robust sporting infrastructure. Apart from the development of an overall sports culture in the country, the personal interest that the Prime Minister takes in knowing every athlete and their progress is also something that was never seen before in our country. He makes it a point to interact with the Indian contingent before the final send off and after an international tournament/sporting event and motivate and congratulate them on their success or sincere efforts.&nbsp;
The Prime Minister also talks a lot about sports in his monthly radio programme, ‘Mann ki Baat’. In the past, the newspaper was the only medium to get any information about the sports achievers of our country, but now even before they head for the international tournaments, we are celebrating them. Be it the Commonwealth or Olympics-bound Indian contingent or the youth taking part in the Khelo India Games, ‘Mann ki Baat’ has become a platform where the country’s achievements on the sports front are brought to light. And today, when ‘Mann ki Baat’ is going to hit its century-mark on 30th April 2023, I am sure that all its episodes, all through these years, have worked as an inspiration for the athletes to hone their talent and build a future in sports.&nbsp;
When I had won the first medal for the World Championship, my fellow athlete who had also won a medal had got a call from the head of her country which was being projected on the stadium screens. And I was wondering when I would get a similar opportunity. In that sense, today’s young athletes are really lucky that the Prime Minister is talking about them at such an important platform like ‘Mann ki Baat’. He also knows their personal interests well and is giving them grand send overs and felicitating them when they come back. The entire India is watching this and especially the younger generation. &nbsp;
The Prime Minister has repeatedly stressed on the fact that sports does not stop short at winning medals and putting India on the global map. What it primarily brings to the table is development of individual personalities by making us physically fit, mentally alert, and nurturing sportsmanship. Sports, as a whole, holds much importance for the development of a nation. Gone are the days when people used to follow only cricket. Today, there is a huge national pride attached to India’s participation in every international sporting event. Be it badminton, javelin throw, handball, or fencing, and even indigenous sports like Mallakhamb and Kalaripayattu, people today are united in their appreciation for the sportspersons who are waiving the tricolour high all around the world. &nbsp;
Just before the Olympics 2020, the Prime Minister urged the listeners of ‘Mann ki Baat’ to support the Tokyo-bound athletes with #Cheer4India, which subsequently transformed into a campaign, witnessing participation from school students to celebrities who sent their wishes for the athletes. It is interesting to see the different ways that we are finding as a country to celebrate our sportspersons. This momentum on the sports front is unprecedented for India and I am grateful to the Prime Minister for injecting a renewed vigour into sports. &nbsp;
The results are there for all to see. With seven medals in the Tokyo Olympics and 19 in the Paralympics, India performed its best in four decades. India recorded one of its best performances at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with a total of 61 medals including 22 Gold medals. For the first time in the history of the prestigious international Thomas Cup (Badminton) tournament, the Indian men’s team won the championship by defeating 14 times World Champion Indonesia. The Indian contingent for Deaflympics Brazil gave the best-ever performance for the country with 16 medals. New young talent is performing tremendously well and the entire nation is enjoying their victories. &nbsp;
‘Mann ki Baat’ as a platform has inspired among the citizens, especially the youth, a collective enthusiasm towards sports in the country. In multiple episodes of ‘Mann ki Baat’, the Prime Minister has appealed directly to the younger generation to make sports a crucial part of their lives. Through his radio programme, he has instilled a feeling of Sabka Prayas to make sports an important aspect for India’s holistic development and together the people, the Governments, athletes and associations are striving to make this vision a reality of the New India. I am looking forward to the upcoming 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat and to hear our Prime Minister inspire, encourage and talk of ordinary people who have made huge difference in the life of others. - Anju Bobby George&nbsp;

The Hawk

Tag : Khelo

VP To Declare Khelo India University Games 2021 Open April 24

Sunil Aswal

Tag : Khelo

VP To Declare Khelo India University Games 2021 Open April 24

Sunil Aswal

More about Khelo