Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday declared the sixth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) open in a grand opening ceremony in Chennai that also showcased the rich cultural heritage of the southern state.

In his address, PM Modi termed the KIYG as a great way to start 2024, while reiterating his government’s commitment to hosting the 2029 Youth Olympics and the 2036 Olympic Games.

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Lighting the traditional torch to signal the start of the Games, PM Modi said, “My young friends gathered here represent a young India, a new India. Your energy and enthusiasm is taking our country to new heights in the world of sports. Together you are showcasing the true spirit of Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat.”

“The KIYG will certainly provide you with an opportunity to showcase your skills but it will also help you make new friendships that will last a lifetime,” he added.

Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s contribution to sports in India, the PM said that it is a land that produces champions. Mentioning the tennis champions Amritraj Brothers, India’s former hockey captain Bhaskaran who led India to a gold medal in the Olympics, Chess players Vishwanathan Anand, Praggnanandhaa and Paralympic champion Mariyappan, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that all athletes will derive inspiration from the state.

He also committed to “every possible assistance” to athletes targeting medals at the 2024 Paris and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics while highlighting the government’s flagship schemes like the Khelo India campaign that provides monthly support of Rs 50,000 to thousands of athletes in the country and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Initiative launched in 2014 which ensured training, international exposure and participation in big sporting events for top athletes.

“With India’s eyes on the Paris Olympics to be held this year and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, every possible assistance is being provided to athletes under the TOPS initiative,” he said.

Underlining the government’s resolve to provide international exposure to India’s young athletes and the nation becoming an important center of the global sports ecosystem, the PM said, “We are working diligently to host the Youth Olympics in 2029 and the Olympic Games in 2036 in India.”

On the occasion, the Prime Minister also launched ‘DD Tamil’ the revamped version of the regional language Doordarshan channel DD Podhigai, besides laying the foundation stone for launching 26 radio stations in 12 districts.

The opening ceremony was graced by Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi, Union Information & Broadcasting and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, Minister of State for Sports Nishith Pramanik, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, and the state’s sports minister Udhaynidhi Stalin.

Since 2018, the sports ministry has organised five Khelo India Youth Games, three Khelo India University Games and three Khelo India Winter Games and multiple Khelo India Women’s Leagues in various sports. The inaugural Khelo India Para Games were held in New Delhi in December. A total of Rs 2418 crore was allotted for the Khelo India scheme from 2016-2023 and further provision of Rs 3165 crore has been made for the next five years.