Khelo India University Games 2025 Launched; PM Modi’s Vision Strengthens India’s Sports Ecosystem

Jaipur, Nov 2025 : Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, said that the creation of a New India is progressing with the goal of building a Developed India. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has shown the way to transform India into a developed nation by 2047 and to prepare the country to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Dr. Mandaviya was addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Khelo India University Games 2025 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Monday. He said that the Government has created a strong ecosystem for sports development in the country and designed the Khelo India programme to nurture grassroots talent. Under this initiative, Khelo India School Games, Youth Games, and University Games are organised, and selected players receive structured training through sports schools and Centres of Excellence.

The Union Minister said that the upcoming International Olympic Centre will give a major boost to India’s sports potential by offering world-class facilities and high-quality training. He added that national programmes are being organised under the Khelo India Sports Policy to further promote sports across the country.

Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma said that the Khelo India University Games are being hosted across seven divisions of Rajasthan. Talented young athletes from all corners of the country have arrived to participate. He emphasised that the Games are not just a competition but the beginning of the flight of athletes’ dreams. From here, many players can rise to become Olympic champions; therefore, every participant should give their best.

Shri Sharma said that those who learn to struggle on the sports field and never give up can face every challenge in life. Athletes participating in these Games are not here merely to win medals, but to awaken the warrior within. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he urged the youth to “Arise, awake, and conquer the world.”

The Chief Minister added that there was a time when India longed for medals, but under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the nation has earned global respect in sports. He highlighted the recent World Cup victory of the Indian women’s cricket team, proving that daughters are no less than sons. He added that sports talent emerging from local parks is now being refined, and MPs and MLAs are identifying new talent through sports competitions under the Prime Minister’s guidance.

Shri Sharma said that the dual-engine government of Centre and State is providing every possible support to athletes. The Rajasthan government has launched a Sports Life Insurance Scheme, offering accident and life insurance coverage to international medal winners. Inspired by the Government of India’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Rajasthan has launched its own Target Olympic Podium initiative. He also announced that the state government will allot land to Dronacharya Award-winning coaches, similar to Arjuna Awardees.

Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore, said that after 2014, a positive transformation has emerged in Indian sports due to the Prime Minister’s vision. Rajasthan is hosting the 5th Khelo India University Games over twelve days. He said that the youth will create new records through discipline and hard work—some will win, while others will learn. He added that CM Bhajanlal Sharma has accelerated Rajasthan’s progress across education, sports, industry and energy.

During the ceremony, a drone-carried torch was brought to the main stage and lit by the Chief Minister, marking the official launch of the Games. A drone show depicted India’s sports journey, Rajasthan’s growth, and the state’s pride. Various performances were also held.

The event was attended by Health Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Khimsar; Food & Civil Supplies Minister Shri Sumit Godara; Social Justice & Empowerment Minister Shri Avinash Gehlot; Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri K.K. Vishnoi; MP Smt. Manju Sharma; MLAs Shri Kuldeep Dhankhar and Shri Mahendra Pal Meena; Chief Secretary Shri V. Srinivas; DGP Shri Rajeev Kumar Sharma; senior officials; and a large number of athletes and sports enthusiasts.