In News:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 7th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) on May 4, 2025, marking Bihar’s first time hosting a national-level multi-sport event.
• The event will be held across five cities in Bihar: Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai from May 4–15, 2025.

About Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG)

Feature                                     Details

Launch Year                          2018

Nodal Ministry                     Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Target Group                        Youth athletes under 17 and 21 years of age

Objective                                 Promote grassroots sports, mass participation, and talent

                                             development for global competition

Host Cities in 2025            Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Begusarai

Total Athletes (2025)     Over 6,000 participants

Special Highlights of KIYG 2025

• Medal Events: Competitions held in 27 sporting disciplines.
• New Inclusions:
  • Sepaktakraw included as a medal sport for the first time.
  • Esports introduced as a demonstration event, reflecting the rise of digital-age sports.
• Support for Athletes: Winners eligible for scholarships under the Khelo India Scheme to pursue professional training.

Significance

• PM Modi emphasized the role of regular tournaments like KIYG in shaping India’s sports ecosystem.
• Cited Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old cricketer who scored a 38-ball century in IPL 2025, as a symbol of emerging youth talent.
• Highlighted that platforms like Khelo India events (youth, para, winter, and senior levels) help identify, nurture and promote talent, building confidence among young athletes.

Previous Editions of KIYG

Edition                    Host City

1st (2018)            New Delhi

2nd (2019)          Pune

3rd (2020)          Guwahati

4th (2021)            Panchkula

5th (2022)           Bhopal

6th (2023)           Chennai

7th (2025)           Bihar (multiple cities)