Patna, Bihar | May 4, 2025 ( Newshub Desk) — The 7th Khelo India Youth Games was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via videoconferencing, inspiring thousands of young athletes and reaffirming India’s commitment to sports development.
This year, Bihar hosts the prestigious multi-city sports event, welcoming 6,000+ athletes competing across venues in Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai. PM Modi emphasised India’s ambition to host the Olympics in 2036, highlighting India’s tripled sports budget—now standing at ₹4,000 crore—to modernise infrastructure and nurture young talent.
Strengthening Sports Infrastructure
The government continues its grassroots-level sports push, supporting 1,000+ training centres nationwide, including Bihar’s Sports University and State Sports Academy. Bihar’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a rising cricket star, was praised for his success in the IPL, reflecting Bihar’s growing impact on national sports.
A Celebration of Indigenous & Emerging Sports
Beyond traditional events, the Games spotlight heritage sports like Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Kho-Kho, and Mallakhamb, alongside emerging disciplines such as Wushu, Sepak Takraw, and Roller Skating.
Sports as a Career Path
PM Modi stressed that sports are no longer just about competition—they are now economic engines, driving opportunities in sports analytics, coaching, physiotherapy, broadcasting, and event management. With stadiums evolving into job hubs, India’s sports-driven economy is set to flourish.
A Bright Future Ahead
As he declared the Games officially open, PM Modi urged athletes to persevere with discipline and national pride, strengthening India’s position on the global sports stage.
