Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inagurate the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 today in Chennai. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is all set for the event, with various dignitaries, including Chief Minister M K Stalin, joining the inauguration.
A total of 5,500 athletes are anticipated to participate in 26 sports competitions from January 19 to 31, as per the state government's announcement. The aim is to replicate the success of the 44th Chennai Chess Olympiad in 2022.
The Prime Minister will officially inaugurate the games in the presence of Governor R N Ravi and Chief Minister M K Stalin. Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik, along with Tamil Nadu Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udayanidhi Stalin, will also be part of the event.
Competitions in various sports like football, kabaddi, volleyball, Judo, weightlifting, squash, archery, boxing, badminton, table tennis, cycling, gymnastics, swimming, tennis, shooting, yoga, wrestling, and more will be held across Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore, and Madurai.
A significant first for the Khelo India Youth Games is the introduction of Silambam, a traditional sport of Tamil Nadu, as a demonstration sport. The event is expected to involve over 1,000 referees and 1,200 volunteers.
On January 29, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports unveiled a special mobile application for the Khelo India Youth Games.
“The app will provide easy access to information about the games for participating athletes, coaches, support staff, parents, and officials from all states. This marks the first time a dedicated app has been launched for the games," stated the ministry.
On January 4, Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed, "Khelo India Youth Games 2023 would be another promising opportunity to showcase Tamil Nadu's excellent organizing capabilities and illustrious history in the field of sports."
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