Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 and set a strong tone for India’s sporting future. He praised Bihar’s 14-year-old IPL talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi and linked sports with national pride and progress.
In his video message, PM Modi said, “We have tripled the sports budget over the last decade and allocated ₹4,000 crore this year.”
Prime Minister Modi stressed that a growing sports culture strengthens India’s soft power and unity.
To boost sports further, the PM pointed out that events now take place year-round. He noted that the National Education Policy includes sports as part of mainstream education.
“We are promoting sports at every level—university games, youth games, winter games, and para-games,” PM Modi asserted.
Furthermore, PM Modi announced that a new sports city is under development along the Patna-Gaya highway.
Prime Minister Modi added that the NDA government’s ‘double engine’ model has helped expand sports infrastructure even in rural Bihar.
PM Modi also highlighted the growing sports economy.
“Sports create jobs beyond stadiums—in fields like physiotherapy, sports analytics, event management, and e-sports,” Prime Minister Modi noted.
Importantly, PM Modi urged over 6,000 participants to make the most of the event.
The Prime Minister encouraged them to compete with dedication and become ambassadors of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Welcoming athletes in Bhojpuri-Maithili, the PM invited them to enjoy Bihar’s famous litti chokha and makhana.
Earlier in the day, the games opened with a grand ceremony in Patna. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the event. Union Minister of State Raksha Khadse also joined the launch.
Over 8,500 athletes will compete for more than 2,400 medals in 28 sports. Events are being held across Patna, Gaya, Rajgir, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, and New Delhi.
On the first day, West Bengal edged out Rajasthan in boys’ volleyball. Jammu and Kashmir defeated Uttarakhand. Competitions in judo, kabaddi, archery, and mallakhamb have also begun.
Meanwhile, Bihar has fielded a 700-member squad as host. The Games will run until May 15.
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