Khelo India Youth Games open with a spectacular cultural show

The third Khelo India Youth Games has begun in Guwahati with a grand opening ceremony yesterday. A colorful cultural event enthralled the spectators. In all, 6,500 athletes are taking part in the Khelo India at 20 disciplines. Inaugurating the games, Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal said that the Assam Government has taken various steps to promote sports. 

Welcoming the participants,  Mr Sonowal said that the people of Assam are great sports enthusiasts. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking prompt steps for the development of North East region. Attending the event, Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijjiju hoped that this event would be a milestone in achieving the aspiration of the people. He said, India would be in top 10 in the Los Angels Olympics. Mr. Rijjiju said that the government is committed to promote the young talents from across the country.

Priyanka Dasgupta from Tripura grabbed the spotlight on Day- 1 of the gymnastics competition, clinching the Girls Under-17 All-round crown in the Khelo India Youth Games 2020 yesterday. Jatin Kumar Kanojia carried the flame for Uttar Pradesh, claiming the Boys Under-17 All-Around gold with a measure of comfort.

There was magnificent cultural events, the ever popular Bihu dance was performed. The glory of Assam including Lachit Borphukan, Bhupen Hazarika, Majuli river island, the one horn rhinos - all were part of the show. 

The rich culture of



other North Eastern states were displayed. The Ek Bharat, Shrestra Bharat was shown. The Fit India initiatives was exhibited in front of around 20 thousand spectators. And there was also performance by the very popular singer Shanker Mahadevan. 

Gymnasts Priyanka Dasgupta and Jatin Kumar Kanojia grab spotlight with all-around gold medals at day one of Khelo India Youth Games 2020 in Guwahati yesterday. Tripura's Priyanka Dasgupta clinched the three gold medals and girls Under-17 all-around crown in gymnastics. Daughter of a driver, Priyanka missed out on a podium finish in last games at Pune by a mere 0.05 points. Jatin Kumar Kanojia of Uttar Pradesh also claimed the boys Under-17 all-around crown with two gold medals. Asmi Ankush Badade and Shreya Pravin Bhangale made it a 1-2 for Maharashtra in the girls Under-17 rhythmic gymnastics all-around competition, but it was the self-taught Upasha Talukdar who captured the hearts of the capacity crowd by winning a bronze, Assam's first medal in the Games.

     

Tripura is leading the medal tally with three gold, Maharashtra is on second position with 9 medals including two gold and Uttar Pradesh settle for third spot wining two gold with total five medals.

Today, there would be several events including archery, athletes, gymnastics, judo, kabaddi, shooting table and volleyball. So till 22nd of this, we can expect some exciting games and good spectators.