Key Points

The Khelo India Youth Games have kicked off in Rajgir, showcasing exceptional sporting infrastructure in Bihar. Athletes from across the country are experiencing top-tier facilities and competitive matches. The event represents a significant opportunity for young, underprivileged athletes to showcase their talents. Prime Minister Modi's vision for youth development is being realized through these transformative sporting initiatives.

Key Points: Khelo India Youth Games Inspire Bihar's Sports Transformation

  • Haryana wins intense Under-18 girls Kabaddi match 33-32
  • Bihar hosts inaugural games with world-class infrastructure
  • Rural Development Minister praises national sports initiative
  • Young athletes get unprecedented opportunity for growth
3 min read

'I've never seen such arrangements in Bihar': Athletes and coaches hail facilities at Khelo India Youth Games

Khelo India Youth Games kick off in Rajgir with exceptional facilities, thrilling Kabaddi matches, and hope for young athletes' development

"I have never seen such arrangements in Bihar - Sita, Haryana Kabaddi Team Assistant Coach"

Nalanda, May 4

Khelo India Youth Games started at Rajgir's Sports Complex on Sunday. On the very first day, the Kabaddi match thrilled the audience while players and coaches from all over the country applauded the organisers for setting up an event of national standard.

The first match in Pool 'A' of the Under-18 girls category was played between Haryana and Punjab. In a very tough contest, Haryana won 33-32.

"This was our first game, the girls were a bit tired as we were called a bit early and that led to the team getting tired which led to us not being able to settle in our defense. We will improve and do better in the next game.

"I have never seen such arrangements in Bihar. I request the Government that if they want Kabaddi to elevate as a sport please continue to do more such events. Khelo India is an international level event, it will help all sports to grow," Haryana Kabaddi team assistant coach Sita told IANS.

Despite facing a narrow loss, Punjab captain Ganga Sharma hopes the team does better against Rajasthan on Monday.

"The match was good. We faced Haryana and played really well. Our defense lacked a little. We will do much better against Rajasthan tomorrow.

"The arrangements are very good. From food, travel to accommodations, everything has been good. This is a great step for underprivileged athletes. It gives them an opportunity to grow and go to the top. I would want more such Games to take place," Ganga told IANS.

Rural Development Minister of Bihar, Shrawon Kumar reflected on the ongoing Games and hopes it motivates youngsters to improve and raise the name of the state across the nation.

"Khelo India Youth Games are taking place across the country. I would like to thank the government for allowing Bihar to host the opening leg and I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

"Girls and boys from eight states have come to play Kabaddi and are performing really well. Kids are playing more sports now in Bihar so they can raise the name of the state and the country," Kumar told IANS.

In the Pool 'A' of the Under-18 boys category, a match was held between the teams of Haryana and Karnataka, in which the Haryana team performed brilliantly and registered a one-sided victory. The Haryana boys team scored 57 points while the Karnataka team could only score 31 points.

"There are great facilities here. Everything the kids need like room, cleanliness and food. It is a great thing for the kids, PM Modi is doing a lot for the youth and it is such initiatives that help athletes play and improve.

"Heading into the game against Rajasthan we know we have to play strongly and win. We want to secure the gold in the tournament," Haryana captain Jai Hind told IANS.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
This is fantastic! Bihar showing it can host national-level sporting events. For too long we've associated the state only with education (Nalanda) and poverty. Sports infrastructure development will change perceptions and give local youth new opportunities. Kudos to the organizers! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
As someone from Patna, I'm so proud to see this happening in Bihar! 👏 The girls' kabaddi match sounds thrilling - 33-32 is nail-biting! Hope more parents will now encourage their daughters to take up sports seriously. Khelo India is changing mindsets one tournament at a time.
A
Amit S.
Good initiative but let's not get carried away. The real test is whether these facilities will be maintained after the event. We've seen many stadiums turn into white elephants. Hope Bihar government has a long-term plan for sports development, not just one-time events.
N
Neha T.
The Haryana vs Karnataka boys' match score (57-31) shows the dominance of northern states in kabaddi! But glad to see southern teams participating too. This exposure will help improve their game. More inter-state competitions please! #KheloIndia
S
Sanjay R.
Heartening to see coaches praising the arrangements. Bihar needs more such positive stories. Maybe next we can have a national level cricket tournament here? The passion for sports in small towns is unmatched - just need proper platforms.
K
Kavita J.
As a sports teacher, I appreciate how these games help identify talent from rural areas. Many champions come from humble backgrounds. Hope the selection process remains fair and gives equal opportunity to all states. Jai Hind! ✊

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50