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Khelo India University Games 2025: Rajasthan Hosts 5,000 Athletes Across 7 Cities

The fifth Khelo India University Games kicks off in Rajasthan from November 24 to December 5. This massive sporting event will spread across seven cities including Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. Over 5,000 university athletes will compete in 23 medal sports with exciting new additions like beach volleyball. The Games continue to build India's sporting ecosystem under the Khelo India initiative.

Key Points: Khelo India University Games Rajasthan November 24 Start

  • Games span 12 days across Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, and Bharatpur
  • Features 23 medal sports plus kho-kho as demonstration event
  • Introduces beach volleyball, canoeing, kayaking, and cycling for first time
  • Previous champion Chandigarh University aims to defend title
2 min read

Khelo India University Games to be held in Rajasthan from November 24

Fifth edition of Khelo India University Games begins November 24 in Rajasthan across 7 cities, featuring 5,000 athletes in 23 sports including new additions.

"The Khelo India University Games are a crucial link in India's sporting pathway - Dr Mansukh Mandaviya"

New Delhi, October 16

The fifth edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) is set to take place in Rajasthan from November 24 to December 5, across seven cities. The Games will feature competitions in 23 medal sports and one demonstration sport (kho-kho).

Similar to the Khelo India Youth Games held in Bihar earlier this year, the University Games will be spread across Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, and Bharatpur. More than 5,000 athletes from universities across the country are expected to participate in the 12-day sporting event, according to an official press release.

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the significance of the University Games in India's sporting ecosystem.

"The Khelo India University Games are a crucial link in India's sporting pathway. Across the world, universities play a vital role in shaping champions, and KIUG provides our young athletes a platform to showcase their ability at a national level. The Rajasthan edition will highlight India's expanding sporting landscape and will be a stepping stone to glory for many who aspire to represent the nation globally," he said.

He further added, "Under the vision of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, the Khelo India initiative has created a robust ecosystem that encourages participation, talent development, and excellence. The University Games in Rajasthan will inspire thousands of students to pursue sports alongside academics and strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat through competition and camaraderie."

In KIUG 2025, there will be 23 medal sports and one demonstration discipline. The medal sports include archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, fencing, football, hockey, judo, kabaddi, mallakhamb, rugby, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, yogasana, cycling, beach volleyball, canoeing and kayaking.

Kho-kho will be a demonstration event. For the first time, beach volleyball, canoeing and kayaking, and cycling are being introduced in the KIUG programme.

In the previous edition of the Khelo India University Games held in the North-East region, Chandigarh University emerged as the overall champion. Lovely Professional University and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, secured second and third places respectively.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative! But I hope the infrastructure across all seven cities is properly maintained. Sometimes these multi-city events face logistical challenges. Still, looking forward to seeing new talent emerge from this platform.
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Arjun K
Finally cycling, beach volleyball and water sports being introduced! This is exactly what we need - diversification beyond cricket. My cousin is participating in swimming, can't wait to cheer for him in Udaipur! 🏊‍♂️
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Sarah B
As someone who studied in India, I'm impressed by how the sports ecosystem is evolving. The university-level competitions are crucial for identifying talent early. Hope they get good media coverage too!
V
Vikram M
Excellent move to spread the games across Rajasthan! This will give local youth exposure to national-level competitions. Hope they include more traditional Indian sports in future editions. Mallakhamb and yogasana are good starts!
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Michael C
The timing is perfect - right after mid-semester exams. Students can focus on both academics and sports. Good to see the government investing in university sports infrastructure. This will definitely help in creating future Olympians.

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