Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar today. The Games, featuring 27 medal disciplines and one demonstration sport, will end on May 15.

Present alongside PM Modi was Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar, Union sports and youth affairs minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of State Srimati Rakhsha Khadse and several dignitaries from the Bihar government and the Bihar State Sports Authority.

This is the first major multi-discipline sporting event hosted by Bihar. The 27 medal sports are spread over five cities – Patna, Rajgir, Bhagalpur, Gaya and Begusarai – and New Delhi. For the first time in the KIYG program, sepaktakraw has been included as a medal sport and esports will be a demonstration event. More than 10,000 participants, including over 6,000 athletes, will take part in KIYG 2025.

It may be pertinent to mention that in March this year the Indian men’s regu (three-player) team secured its first-ever gold medal at the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) World Cup in Patna.

The victory sparked nationwide celebrations, with the Hon’ble Prime Minister extending his congratulations. This triumph at the Pataliputra Sports Complex marked India’s best-ever performance at the ISTAF World Cup, where 21 countries from four continents competed across seven events.

“This is a very important time for Bihar. History tells us how Nalanda and Vikramshila were eminent knowledge centres. Now the same land will give us new sports development centres. It’s a matter of great pride for Bihar,” said Dr Mandaviya.

“These Games are an opportunity to change Bihar’s image as a state capable of hosting big events. A Viksit Bihar is part of Viksit Bharat and now every sports talent in Bihar will get a stage and an opportunity to showcase their skills,” said Dr Mandaviya, adding that proper talent development was key to doing well in the 2026 Summer Olympics that India aspire to host.

“The good times in Bihar sports have started and PM Modi believes that this is the time and it is the right time. And all this has been possible due to structured training, athlete-centric approach and local support system. We just have to be patient and let talent shine in due course,” said Dr Mandaviya.

• PIB