Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games on May 4, 2025, through videoconferencing. This is the first time that Bihar is hosting this prestigious sports event, which will continue till May 15. The games are being conducted across five districts of the state—Patna, Rajgir (Nalanda), Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai.

Massive Participation from Across India

The event has drawn participation from more than 8,500 athletes and around 1,500 technical officials from across the country. These participants will compete in 28 different sports disciplines, making it one of the largest editions of the Khelo India Youth Games so far. Including traditional Indian sports like Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and Kho-Kho really brings a special cultural vibe to the competition. It’s a great opportunity for local and rural athletes to get a shot at the national spotlight and display their skills.

PM Modi Applauds Athletes and Coaches

During his speech, Prime Minister Modi took a moment to thank everyone involved — players, coaches, organizers — for their hard work. He really praised the athletes for their commitment and discipline, and he pointed out that the youth are the backbone of a strong, lively India. He also talked about how the country's growing sports scene isn’t just good for national pride but also helps boost India's image around the world. For him, sports are becoming a really powerful way to support social progress and national growth.
 

Promoting Unity Through Culture and Sports

The Prime Minister encouraged participants to explore Bihar’s cultural richness during their stay, mentioning traditional dishes like Litti-Chokha and the local specialty, Makhana. He stressed that such events promote unity in diversity, aligning with the national vision of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat."

Sports as a Career Opportunity

He also pointed out that sports aren’t just about playing. They open doors to all kinds of careers like managing teams, working in sports media, physiotherapy, and analytics. The idea is to create a system where young people can find real, lasting opportunities in the sports world and build solid futures.
 

Bihar’s Infrastructure Push for Sports

Bihar has taken significant steps in preparing for the games. The government has set up a Khelo India State Centre of Excellence, and plans are in motion to develop Bihar Sports University and a Sports City along the Patna-Gaya highway. These efforts aim to create long-term infrastructure and professional opportunities for athletes in the state.

Gaj Singh: The Official Mascot

The official mascot of this year’s games is ‘Gaj Singh’, which represents strength, intelligence, and Indian heritage. The event also includes eSports as a demonstration category, reflecting the changing landscape of sports and the interests of modern youth.

High-Profile Inauguration Ceremony

The opening ceremony was attended by senior political leaders including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Sinha. Their presence signified the importance of this event and the collective commitment to promoting sports in the country.