Odisha is set to host the first edition of Khelo India University Games from 22 February to 1 March 2020. The sporting meet, which will include 4000 athletes participating from over a hundred universities, will be held at the KIIT University in Bhubaneswar.
This announcement was made at a launch event in the presence of high-profile dignitaries including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister for Human Resources and Development, Ramesh Pokhriyal, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Lok Sabha MP Achyuta Samanta.
“I commend the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Authority of India for taking this initiative of having an annual sports event of this magnitude at the university level. I am sure the true spirit of sportsmanship will be showcased during this event,” said CM Naveen Patnaik.
Minister of Sports, Kiren Rijiju is confident that such events have a great potential to develop future sports stars for India who can go on to win medals for the country at the highest level.
The event will see players from all over India compete in 17 different disciplines including archery, athletics, boxing, fencing, judo, swimming, weightlifting,wrestling, badminton, basketball, football, hockey, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, rugby, and kabaddi.