Bihar to host Khelo India Youth Games and Para Games in April 2025
Bihar will host not one but two editions of the Games. Sports will play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Bihar has recently showcased its capability to host major sporting events, says Mandaviya
For the first time and in the lines of the Summer Olympics, the Khelo India Para Games will also be held in Bihar. The Para Games will follow the youth Games and there will be a 10 to 15 days gap between the two Games, Union Minster of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya announced on November 21.
The announcement follows the successful completion of Women’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in Bihar.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team were crowned Champions of the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024, at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium today, after a 1-0 victory over China in the Final. The game saw both teams trade blows in the first half but India upped the intensity in the second half and a goal from Deepika (31′) ensured India defended their Asian Champions Trophy title.
“Bihar will host not one but two editions of the Games. Sports will play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Bihar has recently showcased its capability to host major sporting events,” Mandaviya said.
Previously the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 were held in Tamil Nadu in January this year. “We encourage athletes to make the most of the facilities available across the country. Bihar’s rich cultural diversity is also a significant attraction for everyone. Embracing and celebrating a state’s heritage is essential for building a stronger nation,” added Mandaviya.
Bihar is an integral part of the Ministry’s plans to develop infrastructure and provide support to athletes from the grassroots level.
Talent development is at the heart of the Khelo India Programme and Bihar is also a major beneficiary of the Department of Sports’ developmental programmes. There are 38 Khelo India Centres in Bihar and one Khelo India State Centre of Excellence catering to athletes at all levels. In addition to this, there are three SAI Training Centres.
More details of the Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar will be shared in the coming weeks, according to an official statement released by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
“Sports are being encouraged in Bihar. The Bihar government has also started developing sports infrastructure in line with the Khelo India campaign… Rugby is one of the popular games here… I want to give a message to the youth of the country that sports is also a career… Khelo India Youth Games 2025 is going to happen in Bihar… The state has also started preparing for it,” Mandaviya told reporters in Patna.
