Cuttack: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first edition of Khelo India University Games (KIUG), through video conferencing at 6 pm on Saturday.
“Today, the first-ever Khelo India University Games is going to start in Odisha. It’s not just remarkable for the history of Indian sports, but also significant for its future,” the ANI quoted PM Modi as saying.
The opening ceremony of the seven-day mega sports event was held at the Jawaharlal Indoor Stadium in Cuttack.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik greeted the participants and welcomed them to the sports capital of the country, Odisha. He also assured them of a comfortable stay in the state.
“The student life is one of the most memorable period and university student life has its own charm. It presents a bold, confident, committed competitive and sportive life,” the Chief Minister said.
The event witnessed energetic dance performances by popular dance groups. Bollywood singer Sona Mohapatra and other Ollywood artistes also enthralled the audience at the opening ceremony.
KIUG is a unique platform for over 4000 students from across the country to compete with each other in 17 disciplines of sports, including archery, athletics, boxing, fencing, judo, swimming, weightlifting, wrestling, badminton, basketball, football, hockey, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, rugby and kabaddi.
The sporting events are being held at three venues in Bhubaneswar and the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in the Millennium City and will conclude on March 1.
It is being organized by the Government of India, Sports Authority of India, Sports Federation, KIIT University and the state government.
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