Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 7th edition of the Bihar Khelo India Youth Games 2025 through a video message. In his address prime minister said his government has developed a culture of sports in the country, and the Khelo India umbrella event is an example that hones sports skills and identifies young talents.
The Prime Minister said more than one thousand Khelo India centres have been opened in the country, and it is nurturing young sports talent. He said that Khelo India is an inclusive platform in which traditional Gatka, Kalarypattu, and Kho Kho games have been added so that young players from rural areas get an opportunity. He said the rise of sports talent in the country exhibits its soft power. The prime minister said the country will host the Olympics in 2036 and showcase its soft power. Mr Modi said sports are not a single entity, but they are multifarious in terms of self-employment, education, health and other opportunities. The Prime Minister praised flamboyant IPL cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Bihar and said his story is inspiring. The prime minister said Khelo India games instill and fortify the spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.
PM appealed to sportspeople from different parts to relish the cuisine of Bihar, like Litti Chokha. He also lauded initiatives of the Bihar government, like the International Sports Complex in Rajgir and the first state sports university. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the opening ceremony at Pataliputra Sports Complex in Patna.
