LUCKNOW:   The government of Uttar Pradesh will be hosting the Khelo India National University Games in 2023-24 in 4 cities of the state, namely  Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Noida.

Around 4,500 athletes representing 150 colleges from throughout the nation will compete for top honors in 20 disciplines, including rowing, basketball, judo, kabaddi, wrestling, swimming, and boxing, according to Navneet Sehgal, additional chief secretary for sports.

Uttar Pradesh would be the first state to hold the National University Games after Odisha and Karnataka.

As per the decisions taken during a meeting between Khelo India representatives and UP government representatives, sports like kabaddi, judo, archery, and fencing would be held in Noida, while rowing will take place in Gorakhpur. Wrestling, malkham, and yoga competitions will be held in Varanasi, while the remaining competitions will be hosted in Lucknow.

"The National University Games are open to athletes under age 26. The games for women will be given particular attention. The competition's players will have access to top-notch facilities "Sehgal stated.

The government also announced hiring 12 former athletes who created a name for themselves at the international level as coaches for the state government-run sports dormitories in various disciplines.

Up to 38 more of these foreign athletes will be hired as coaches for 16 different sports in 44 residential hostels.

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