Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 on Sunday, marking a significant milestone as Bihar hosts the prestigious event for the first time.

Addressing athletes, coaches, and staff, the Prime Minister praised the spirit, dedication, and talent displayed by participants from across the nation. He emphasized that their relentless hard work and passion for sports reflect the growing sporting culture of India and inspire national pride.

Highlighting the scale of the event, PM Modi shared that over 6,000 young athletes will compete in various cities across Bihar, including Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai. He noted that this extensive participation demonstrates the evolving identity of sports as a cultural force in India.

“As India’s sporting culture grows, so will our soft power on the global stage,” he said, stressing the value of platforms like the Khelo India Youth Games in nurturing future champions.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to athlete development, pointing to continuous competitions like the Khelo India University Games, Winter Games, and Para Games, which help young athletes refine their skills and gain exposure.

Citing young cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Bihar as an example, PM Modi underlined how opportunities and regular competition play a critical role in shaping talent.

Speaking on India’s Olympic ambitions, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the nation’s effort to host the 2036 Olympics and highlighted the focus on identifying talent at the school level through programs like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme.

He also celebrated the inclusion of traditional Indian sports such as Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Kho-Kho, Mallakhamb, and Yogasana in KIYG, acknowledging the importance of preserving and promoting the country’s indigenous sporting heritage.

PM Modi praised recent Indian achievements in lesser-known sports like Wushu, Sepak Takraw, Pencak Silat, Lawn Bowls, and Roller Skating. He recalled the women’s Lawn Bowls team’s historic medal win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

He highlighted the government’s efforts in modernizing sports infrastructure, noting that India’s sports budget has tripled in the past decade, reaching nearly ₹4,000 crore this year. More than 1,000 Khelo India Centres, including over three dozen in Bihar, are now operational. He also mentioned Bihar’s new Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Rajgir and upcoming infrastructure projects like the Sports City along the Patna-Gaya highway.

“Sports are not just about playing; they now offer employment and entrepreneurship opportunities,” he said, referencing emerging fields such as physiotherapy, data analytics, broadcasting, e-sports, and sports law. He pointed out that today’s stadiums are hubs of economic activity and job creation.

Encouraging athletes to embody the values of unity, teamwork, and resilience, PM Modi said, “You are the brand ambassadors of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’” He invited visitors to enjoy Bihar’s traditional dishes like Litti Chokha and Makhana and assured that the Games would leave lasting memories.

With a call to elevate the spirit of sportsmanship and patriotism, Prime Minister Modi officially declared the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games open.