Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said India has set a target of finishing among the top-10 nations in the Olympic Games and underlined the role of University Games in providing the much-needed platform for international stars to excel.

Thakur was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 4th edition of the Khelo India University Games 2023, Ashtalakshmi, at the Sarusajai Sports Complex here on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his wishes to the participants through an inspiring video message.

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“From east to west, north to south, Khelo India has enabled the youth to play sport. The Games in the North-east show how strongly we endorse the value of sports and it has created a massive mindset in the society,” PM Modi said.

“Today, parents are proud to say my child has participated in a state, national or international championship. Winning a medal is seen as no less an achievement. This is the mindset change Khelo India has brought about. Sports is now a way of life,” added the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also urged the athletes to explore the beauty of the North East region beyond the sports arena. He encouraged them to embark on post-event adventures, capture memories, and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #NorthEastMemories. Additionally, he suggested learning a few local phrases to engage with the communities they visit, enhancing their cultural experience.

The opening ceremony, showcasing the rich heritage of Assam’s culture, was also attended by state Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam sports minister Nandita Gorlosa and other dignitaries.

The Games torch was handed to Dr Sarma by 2019 World Championships bronze medallist boxer Jamuna Boro. International badminton player from Assam Suraj Goala took the oath on behalf of the players.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Thakur pointed out that India won a historic 26 medals including 11 gold medals at the FISU World University Games in Chengdu, China. Before the launch of the Khelo India University Games, India had won just four and five medals in the 2019 and 2015 editions of the World University Games.

“When we talk about the Olympics, the greatest sporting event on Earth, Universities play a massive role in providing the Olympics with its central performers, the athletes themselves,” said Thakur, who also revealed that the government is keen on hosting the Youth Olympics in 2030 and the Olympic Games in 2036.

Elaborating on the role of University Games in preparing for the Olympics, Thakur said, “At the 2004 Athens Olympics, 52 per cent of the British team had been to university or were currently at university. Of the US team, closer to 80 per cent of the team had attended or were attending college or university.

“It makes me happy that there are various Universities in India now, which are attaching a lot of importance to sports and striking the right balance between sports and academics,” he added.

This edition of KIUG will witness participation of close to 4,000 sportspersons, vying for a total of 262 gold medals across 20 sports disciplines over the next fortnight with competitions being held in 18 venues across Guwahati and six other North Eastern cities from February 19-29, 2024.

Guwahati will host a total of 16 disciplines during the Khelo India University Games 2023, which includes athletics, rugby, basketball, volleyball, swimming, badminton, hockey, fencing, kabaddi, women’s football, tennis, mallakhamb, judo, table tennis, Women’s boxing, and shooting. The rest of the Northeastern cities will play host to six events, namely: archery, men’s football, men’s boxing, weightlifting, wrestling and yogasana.

The colourful opening ceremony also witnessed the performance of renowned singer and performer Angaraag Mahanta, popularly known as Papon, apart from a dance performance showcasing the rich tradition of the vibrant region which also highlighted the essence of unity, diversity and the spirit of sportsmanship.