Union Sports Ministry has approved the inclusion of four Indigenous Games to be a part of Khelo India Youth Games 2021, which is scheduled to take place in Haryana. The four games includes Gatka from Punjab, Kalaripayattu from Kerala, Thang-Ta from Manipur and Mallakhamba the hotspots being Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra representing different parts of country. 

Speaking about the decision, Union ,mInister Kiren Rijiju said, "India has a rich heritage of indigenous sports, and it is  a priority for the Sports Ministry to preserve, promote and popularise these games. There is no better platform than the Khelo India Games where athletes of these games can compete. The games have huge popularity and is telecast across the country by Star Sports, so I am confident that in the 2021 Khelo India Youth Games these four disciplines, along with Yogasana, will get their much deserved attention among sports enthusiasts and youth of the country. In the coming years we will be able to add more indigenous sports at the Khelo Games". 

With the help of the Khelo India Youth Games 2021 these games will get national recognition. The Thang-Ta federation confirmed that the competition will vastly popularize the sport. Harjeet Singh Gerwal, President, National Gatka Association of India said this effort of Khelo India will certainly help to promote and revive a forgotten Indian traditional martial art having a historical significance. Additionally, this step will give boost to the efforts of National Gatka Association of India in furtherance of creating awareness in the country as well as overseas. 

India contributes USD 1 million WADA for scientific research

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju launched 2nd edition of Fit India Cyclothon

Union sports minister warns WADA to lift ban on National Dope testing Laboratory