 agencies
NEW DELHI, Apr 25: Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday declared open Khelo India University Games 2021 in a glitzy opening ceremony in Bengaluru.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his message at the inauguration. Governor of Karnataka Thaawar Chand Gehlot; Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai; Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur; Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik; Secretary Sports Sujata Chaturvedi were among those present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice President emphasised the need to encourage sporting activity upto village level. He called for developing the necessary sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, with concerted efforts of the centre, state and local bodies. Together, these will take the Indian sporting potential to new heights, he added.
The Vice President also called for awarding some extra marks to sportspersons in college admissions and promotions in various departments. "Incentives like this will go a long way in encouraging the sports in the country," he said.
In his message, the Prime Minister said that Bengaluru symbolizes the youthful enthusiasm of the country and is pride of the professionals. He said that it is significant that a confluence of startups and sports is happening here.
"Holding of the Khelo India University Games in Bengaluru will add to the energy of this beautiful city.", he said. The Prime Minister saluted the resolve of the organizers as organization of the Games amidst the challenges of the pandemic epitomizes their determination and passion. This youthful passion is driving New India in every field with new momentum, the Prime Minister added.
On his part, Anurag Singh Thakur said, when the first KIUG took place in Odisha, there was great pride and enthusiasm among people. But then, Covid spread and the Games could not take place for two years.
"After two years, it is the first opportunity for us to assemble together for the University Games and I see a similar passion among the youngsters this time around. With close to 4000 participants from nearly 200 Universities, this is the largest multi-discipline event taking place in the state of Karnataka. I visited the hosts, Jain University, and met over 500 enthusiastic athletes who will be taking part in the competition. I was also very happy to see that world-class facilities have been provided for the Games there, which are truly one of the best all-around in the world," he said.
Breath-taking performances depicting Karnataka's rich cultural heritage, Mallakhambha , Yogasana and a captivating sound and light show added to the grandeur of a sparkling opening ceremony of the 2nd Khelo India University Games 2021 at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium on Sunday, 24th April 2022. |
