On May 4, 2025, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, virtually inaugurated the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) in Bihar, marking a historic milestone as the state hosts its first major multi-discipline sporting event. The Games, running until May 15, feature 27 medal disciplines and introduce esports as a demonstration sport, showcasing Bihar’s emerging role in India’s sporting landscape.
A Grand Opening with Esteemed Dignitaries
Joining PM Modi were Hon’ble Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar, Hon’ble Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister of State, Srimati Rakhsha Khadse, and several dignitaries from the Bihar government and the Bihar State Sports Authority. The event, hosted across five cities—Patna, Rajgir, Bhagalpur, Gaya, and Begusarai—along with New Delhi, will see over 10,000 participants, including more than 6,000 athletes, compete for glory.
A New Chapter for Bihar’s Sporting Legacy
For the first time, the KIYG includes sepaktakraw as a medal sport, following India’s historic gold medal win in the men’s regu event at the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) World Cup held in Patna in March 2025. This victory at the Pataliputra Sports Complex, celebrated by PM Modi, underscored India’s growing prowess in the sport, with 21 countries competing 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. Mansukh Mandaviya.
Bihar’s Role in Khelo India’s Vision
Bihar has embraced the Khelo India initiative, with 38 Khelo India Centres established across all districts, training 939 athletes (473 males, 466 females) in disciplines like table tennis, athletics, wrestling, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, boxing, kabaddi, and wushu. These centres, led by past champion athletes, are strengthening grassroots sports engagement. Additionally, 34 Khelo India State Centres of Excellence have been set up nationwide in collaboration with state governments.
Bihar’s sporting progress was evident at the recent National Games in Uttarakhand, where the state won 12 medals, including a gold, marking its best-ever performance.
“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,” said Dr. Mandaviya.
A Platform for Viksit Bihar and Viksit Bharat
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that the KIYG 2025 is an opportunity to reshape Bihar’s image as a state capable of hosting major events. He highlighted the importance of talent development for India’s aspirations to host the 2026 Summer Olympics.
“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.
Expanding the Khelo India Ecosystem
Dr. Mandaviya also spoke about the growing momentum of the Sundays on Cycle program, which promotes fitness to combat lifestyle issues like obesity. He announced upcoming Khelo India events, including:
- Khelo India School Games
- Beach Games in Diu
- Khelo India Indigenous Games in South India
- Tribal Games in Chhattisgarh
These initiatives aim to make the Khelo India program more inclusive and diverse, fostering a robust sports culture across India.
About Khelo India Youth Games
Launched on October 14, 2017, the Khelo India program seeks to promote mass participation and excellence in sports. The KIYG, a key component, has produced athletes who have represented India at global events like the Olympics and Asian Games. The seventh edition in Bihar features 27 sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, fencing, football, gatka, gymnastics, hockey, judo, kabaddi, kalaripayattu, kho-kho, mallakhamb, shooting, swimming, sepaktakraw, table tennis, tennis, thang-ta, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, yogasana, rugby, and esports as a demonstration sport.
Overview
- Event: 7th Edition of Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025
- Inauguration: Virtually by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on May 4, 2025
- Duration: May 4 to May 15, 2025
- Host State: Bihar (first major multi-discipline sporting event hosted by Bihar)
- Cities Hosting: Patna, Rajgir, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Begusarai, and New Delhi
- Participants: Over 10,000, including 6,000+ athletes
- Disciplines: 27 medal sports and 1 demonstration sport (esports)
Key Dignitaries
- Hon’ble Chief Minister of Bihar: Shri Nitish Kumar
- Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
- Union Minister of State: Srimati Rakhsha Khadse
- Other Attendees: Officials from Bihar government and Bihar State Sports Authority
New Additions
Sepaktakraw: Included as a medal sport for the first time in KIYG
- Context: Indian men’s regu team won gold at the ISTAF World Cup in Patna (March 2025), India’s best-ever performance with 21 countries competing.
- Esports: Introduced as a demonstration sport
Khelo India Program
- Launched: October 14, 2017
- Objective: Promote mass participation and excellence in sports
- Impact: Produced athletes for Olympics and Asian Games
- Khelo India Centres in Bihar: 38 centres across all districts, training 939 athletes (473 males, 466 females) in sports like table tennis, athletics, wrestling, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, boxing, kabaddi, and wushu
- National Khelo India Centres: 1048 across India
- Khelo India State Centres of Excellence: 34 nationwide, in collaboration with state governments
Bihar’s Sporting Progress
- National Games (Uttarakhand): Bihar won 12 medals (including 1 gold), best-ever performance
- Significance: Bihar emerging as a sports hub, with KIYG 2025 showcasing its capability to host major events
- Vision: Aligns with Viksit Bihar and Viksit Bharat, supporting India’s bid for 2026 Summer Olympics
Key Statements
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya:
- Highlighted Bihar’s historical knowledge centres (Nalanda, Vikramshila) now becoming sports development hubs
- Emphasized structured training, athlete-centric approach, and local support for sports growth
- Promoted Sundays on Cycle to combat obesity and lifestyle issues
- Announced upcoming events: Khelo India School Games, Beach Games (Diu), Indigenous Games (South India), Tribal Games (Chhattisgarh)
Important Links
- Official Website: youth.kheloindia.gov.in
- Medal Tally: youth.kheloindia.gov.in/medal-tally
Exam-Relevant Points
- Khelo India’s Role: Strengthens grassroots sports, aligns with India’s global sporting ambitions
- Bihar’s Milestone: Hosting KIYG 2025 marks its entry as a major sports event organizer
- New Sports: Sepaktakraw and esports reflect evolving sports culture
- PM’s Vision: Sports as a tool for Viksit Bharat and fitness awareness
- Medal Sports List: Archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, fencing, football, gatka, gymnastics, hockey, judo, kabaddi, kalaripayattu, kho-kho, mallakhamb, shooting, swimming, sepaktakraw, table tennis, tennis, thang-ta, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, yogasana, rugby