Khelo India University Games Off To A Grand Start, PM Modi Virtually Inaugurates The Mega Sports Event

Lucknow, May 26 (TNA) The Khelo India University Games, being hosted for the first time by Uttar Pradesh, got off to a colour start on Thursday evening with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating it virtually. He said that being an MP from UP, he welcomes all the players coming to the state to participate in the games. “A new era of sports has begun in India in the last nine years. This new era is not only about making India a sports power in the world, it is also a new era of empowerment of the society through sports. Sports is proposed to be taught as a subject in our National Education Policy” he added.

“Sports is now going to be a part of the curriculum. It will be further helped by the creation of the country's first National Sports University. Now the game is being seen as an attractive profession. Our government has solved the decades old problem of sportspersons. Today, the budget has been increased for the welfare of the players and after identifying the players, financial assistance is being given to them” Modi said further.

The inauguration ceremony began with the depiction of a symbolic story based on the popular religious scripture Ramayana of the country. It showcased the rich Indian culture and tradition on a giant octagon shaped screen that was suspended in the air 50 feet above the ground. Along with this, special attention was given to the saga depicting the Guru-shishya tradition, which has an important place in Indian public life.

In this engrossing show, the artists depicted the story of transformation from rich culture and heritage to the modern development of Uttar Pradesh of new India. During this, all eyes were also fixed on the mascot of the Games, Jeetu: The Barasingha, who is a symbol of pride. The atmosphere became thrilling as soon as Jeetu stepped onto the field accompanied by the mascots of the previous University Games – Jai and Vijay.

Indian Olympian athlete Padma Shri Sudha Singh, Hockey Olympian Danish Mujtaba, Commonwealth Games medalist judoka Vijay Yadav and Indian hockey player Preeti Dubey lit the torch for the Games. The occasion also emphasized on ensuring sustainability during the Games and took an oath to ensure the same with the Life Mission Pledge.

During this, well-known Sufi singer Kailash Kher enthused the people by singing the official anthem of Khelo India University Games-2022 Uttar Pradesh "Khelo India - Har Dil Mein Desh". Along with this, the players also took a pledge to give their best performance with the spirit of sportsmanship in this ten-day event.