PM Modi Inaugurates Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Bihar
In a historic boost for Indian sports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna, Bihar.
This is the first time Bihar is hosting a multi-sport national event of this scale, marking a significant milestone in India’s vision for sports development and youth empowerment.
A Grand Opening in Bihar
The opening ceremony featured dignitaries like Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and MoS Rakhsha Khadse, among others. Their presence emphasized the importance of grassroots sports and Bihar’s commitment to excellence.
Sports Across Bihar
The 7th edition of the Games will unfold across Patna, Rajgir, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Begusarai, and New Delhi, engaging over 10,000 participants, including 6,000+ athletes, in 27 medal events and one demo sport – esports.
This year also marks the debut of sepaktakraw as a medal sport, symbolizing the rising inclusivity of Indian sports.
Bihar’s Sporting Rise
Earlier in 2025, India’s men’s sepaktakraw team won gold at the ISTAF World Cup held in Patna — a major milestone that elevated Bihar’s sporting credibility.
(Read more about India’s sepaktakraw achievements on the Sports Authority of India website) 🔗
Empowering Talent for the 2036 Olympics
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the importance of nurturing local athletes, aligning Bihar’s sports mission with India’s larger 2036 Olympic aspirations.
Bihar now has 38 Khelo India Centres, training 939 athletes (473 male, 466 female) in disciplines like wrestling, football, kabaddi, boxing, archery, and more.
Internal link: Learn how Khelo India Centres empower youth talent →
What’s Next in the Khelo India Calendar
Dr. Mandaviya also announced upcoming national sports events under the Khelo India brand, including:
- Khelo India School Games
- Khelo India Beach Games (Diu)
- Khelo India Indigenous Games (South India)
- Khelo India Tribal Games (Chhattisgarh)
These initiatives aim to establish a year-round sporting culture and maximize talent identification.
Fitness for All: A National Movement
Initiatives like Sundays on Cycle are transforming fitness into a lifestyle across India, encouraging citizens to embrace active, healthy routines.
About the Khelo India Youth Games
Launched in 2017, the Khelo India initiative has been instrumental in producing Olympic and Asian Games athletes. It blends mass participation with elite development, proving India’s potential as a sporting powerhouse.
The 2025 edition in Bihar continues this legacy, empowering youth, celebrating diversity, and laying the foundation for India’s future champions.