Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 7th Khelo India Youth Games via videoconferencing on May 4, 2025, marking a significant milestone for India’s youth sports ecosystem. The event, hosted across various cities in Bihar, has drawn over 6,000 young athletes from across the country. In his address, PM Modi highlighted the government’s efforts to transform Indian sports, emphasized India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics, and underlined the massive infrastructural and policy-level shifts taking place under initiatives like Khelo India and the National Education Policy.
PM Modi’s Key Highlights from the Inaugural Address of Khelo India Youth Games 2025
In a powerful and encouraging message, PM Modi shared multiple key updates and visions during the opening ceremony:
- Best wishes extended to all participating athletes and coaches.
- India is making a serious bid to host the Olympics in 2036.
- The sports budget has more than tripled in the past decade, now reaching approx. ₹4,000 crore.
- Sports integrated into school curriculum under the National Education Policy.
- Focus on modernizing sports infrastructure and expanding rural outreach.
He encouraged athletes to use this platform not just to compete but to represent the values of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, promoting national unity and sporting excellence.
Khelo India Youth Games 2025: A National Movement
The 7th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 is being conducted across five major cities in Bihar — Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai. Over 6,000 athletes are participating in a wide array of sports disciplines, showcasing their dreams and aspirations.
PM Modi emphasized that Khelo India is not just a sports event but a cultural movement, encouraging discipline, unity, and excellence among the youth. It also plays a significant role in India’s global image as a rising sporting nation.
Olympics 2036: India’s Ambitious Goal
One of the most significant announcements made during the speech was India’s aspiration to host the Olympic Games in 2036. The Prime Minister described it as a long-standing dream of every Indian and reaffirmed that the government is committed to making it a reality. The groundwork for this ambition is being laid through:
- Talent identification at the school level
- Structured training under the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme
- Infrastructure development and international standard exposure
Modern Sports Infrastructure and Budget Growth
PM Modi detailed the tripling of India’s sports budget over the past ten years—from less than ₹1,000 crore to about ₹4,000 crore in 2025. This expansion is directly benefiting young athletes through better coaching, facilities, and competitions.
Over 1,000 Khelo India Centers have been established across the country, including more than three dozen in Bihar alone. Additionally, Bihar now houses:
- Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Rajgir
- Bihar Sports University
- State Sports Academy
- Sports City under development along the Patna-Gaya highway
- Upgraded village-level sports facilities
These initiatives aim to bring world-class sports infrastructure to every corner of the country, especially the hinterlands.
Reviving Traditional and Indigenous Sports
The Prime Minister applauded the inclusion of indigenous games like Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Kho-Kho, Mallakhamb, and Yogasana in the Youth Games. He also mentioned the rise of Indian athletes in newer disciplines like:
- Wushu
- Sepak Takraw
- Pencak Silat
- Lawn Bowls
- Roller Skating
He recalled the historic Lawn Bowls medal by India’s women’s team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which put a spotlight on emerging sports categories in India.
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Encouraging Sports as a Career and Ecosystem
PM Modi emphasized that sports is no longer limited to playing fields—it is now a growing economy creating thousands of job opportunities. He encouraged youth to explore professions in:
- Sports analytics
- Physiotherapy
- Coaching and fitness training
- Event management
- Broadcasting and media
- E-sports
- Sports law and athlete management
He remarked, “A stadium is no longer just a venue, it is a hub of employment and innovation.”
The National Sports University and integration of sports into mainstream school and higher education aim to produce a new generation of professionals across these domains.
Inspiration from Bihar’s Rising Stars
In a special reference, PM Modi praised Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a young cricketer from Bihar, for his breakthrough performance in the IPL. Modi emphasized that while individual hard work is critical, the availability of consistent tournaments like the Khelo India Games plays a pivotal role in talent development.
Celebrating Bihar’s Cultural and Sporting Spirit
Highlighting Bihar’s growing importance on India’s sporting map, PM Modi encouraged athletes visiting from other states to experience local culture and cuisine. He specifically mentioned:
- Litti Chokha – Bihar’s iconic traditional dish
- Makhana (Fox nuts) – Bihar’s globally recognized superfood
He expressed confidence that participants will carry warm memories of their time in Bihar.
Conclusion
The 7th Khelo India Youth Games 2025 is more than a sports tournament—it is a reflection of New India’s energy, ambition, and inclusivity. With the government’s focused investment, institutional reforms, and infrastructure upgrades, the country is laying the foundation for global sporting excellence.
PM Modi’s message underscored the belief that India is not just nurturing athletes, but building a sporting nation ready to lead on the global stage.
Acknowledgment
Source: Press Information Bureau