KHELO INDIA PARA GAMES

The Prime Minister inaugurated the 3rd edition of Khelo India University Games (KIUG) virtually in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

About KIUG 2023

1. The symbol for the 3rd Khelo India University Games is Jitu, representing the Swamp Deer (Barasingha), the state animal of Uttar Pradesh.

• The 1^st edition of KIUG took place in Odisha (2020), while the 2^nd edition occurred in Bangalore, Karnataka (2022) (postponed from 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic).

2. Over 4750 athletes from 200+ universities will compete in 21 sports across Varanasi, Lucknow, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Gorakhpur.
3. The Prime Minister highlighted how this event enhances unity promote the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' spirit.

 About the Khelo India Programme

1. Khelo India, meaning 'Let’s play India,' was introduced by the Indian government in 2017 to revive the sports culture.
2. The initiative aims to enhance sporting infrastructure and academies nationwide and is overseen by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
3. Competitions include Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), Khelo India University Games (KIUG), and Khelo India Winter Games, providing platforms for young talents.

Significance:

1. Reviving Traditional Sports:

1. Khelo India has been vital in restoring the glory of India's traditional sports.
2. The government grants scholarships to promote indigenous sports like Gatka, Mallakhamb, Thang-ta, Kalaripayattu, and Yogasan, preserving and popularizing them among the youth.

2. Sports in Education:

1. Khelo India supports the National Educational Policy 2020 by integrating sports into the curriculum.

3. Women in Sports:

1. Khelo India promotes women's sports, including the Khelo India Women's League.
2. With events in various cities, around 23,000 women athletes actively participate in the league.

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