Guwahati: The Khelo India University Games was officially flagged off in a very vibrant event organised in Guwahati on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, Assam CM wished the best to all the participants. He also pitched for hosting the next edition of the National Games in Assam. He also highlighted his government’s commitment towards the development of this sector. Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur also attended the event.
Mentioning that KIUG 2023 is a proud addition to the events hosted in the state, the CM spoke about the proud legacy of the state in handling premier sports events. “Assam has a great sporting legacy. I believe more and more players from the state will bring laurels to the country in the coming years. And contribute to the country’s sporting history. Assam hosted the National Games for the first time in 2007. And I will request the central government to give Assam the opportunity to host the 2025 or 2026 National Games,” he added.
“For the past three years, Assam has been investing heavily in sports development. Accordingly, we have allocated Rs 800 crore to upgrade the Nehru Stadium to a world class football stadium. Simultaneously, there are two sports complexes coming up at Amingaon and Chandrapur. Our government has allocated Rs 50 crore to develop sports complexes in each district. And also allocated Rs 12 crore to develop sports complexes in each of the 126 Vidhan Sabha constituencies,” said the CM.
KIUG 2023 has nearly 4,000 sportspersons vying for a total of 262 gold medals across 20 sports disciplines. The events are being held in 18 venues across Guwahati and six other North Eastern cities from February 19-29, 2024.
The opening event saw a beautiful and vibrant cultural presentation. Dance forms of tribes and communities across North East India were presented. A musical presentation by Angarag Papon Mahanta also enthralled the audience.
Guwahati will host a total of 16 disciplines during the KIUG 2023. This includes athletics, rugby, basketball, volleyball, swimming, badminton, hockey, fencing, kabaddi, women’s football, tennis, mallakhamb, judo, table tennis, Women’s boxing, and shooting. The rest of the Northeastern cities will play host to six events. These include archery, men’s football men’s boxing, weightlifting, wrestling and yogasana.
