Khelo India Games will conclude on 31 January and witness the participation of over 5,500 athletes across 26 competitive sports.
Opening ceremony of the Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai.
Making Tamil Nadu the sports capital of the nation is a key objective of the state government, Chief Minister M K Stalin said in Chennai on Friday, 19 January.
In his address at the Khelo India Youth Games 2024, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said his government is working hard to take the state to the first position in all sectors.
The event — being held in the South for the first time — will conclude on 31 January and witness the participation of over 5,500 athletes across 26 competitive sports.
Making Tamil Nadu the sports capital of the nation is a key objective, like the goal of achieving a one trillion dollar economy, Stalin said.
After the DMK regime took over in 2021, several “historic” sports events, including the 44th Chess Olympiad, ATP Challenger tour, Chennai Open Challenger tour, men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023, and Squash World Cup 2023, were held in Chennai.
The chief minister listed several sports related initiatives of his government, including setting up Olympic Academies in Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and the Nilgiris, mini stadiums in 10 Assembly segments in the first phase, district sports centres in newly carved out districts such as Tenkasi, which provide a boost to the sports infrastructure.
Honoured to have Hon’ble PM Thiru @NarendraModi avl inaugurate #KheloIndiaYouthGamesTN, marking a significant milestone for sports in Tamil Nadu. Best wishes to all participants as they embark on this exhilarating journey!@ianuragthakur @Udhaystalin @SportsTN_ @kheloIndia… pic.twitter.com/JIrXr1agWt
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) January 19, 2024
A Jallikattu arena (stadium), built at a cost of ₹62.77 crore, will be inaugurated by him on 24 January.
Inaugural ceremony of Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai.
In a spirit of brotherhood, sports persons from Manipur were recently trained in Chennai and some of them are taking part in the Khelo India Games.
Expressing happiness about Tamil Nadu hosting for the first time the Khelo India Games, the Stalin said the state’s traditional game of fencing, Silambam, has been included as a “demonstration game” in this edition.
Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar and valourous woman freedom fighter Velu Nachiar are featured in the official logo of the Games and these are a matter of pride. The state government considered sports as one of the growth goals, he noted.
Sports has the prowess to create social harmony and improve self-respect and self-confidence and help ensure the well being of all.
Stalin tasked the State Sports Minister, his son Udhayanidhi, to take the state to new heights –on a global scale– in sports.
The chief minister welcomed the about 5,500 participants from various states to the Youth Games.
Stalin reiterated that the Dravidian model of governance is all about “everything for everyone”, an inclusive growth, encompassing all communities, districts and sectors.
