SAI holds talks with states to host Khelo India Youth Games

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) held presentations and discussions with the state governments of Assam, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra to explore the possibility of conducting the Khelo India Youth Games in their respective capitals, next year.

The move is aimed at taking forward the agenda of sports development at the grassroots level which is the core of the Khelo India Scheme. This will also provide the states with an opportunity to conduct an event of international standards thereby creating a legacy of sports infrastructure as well as an environment to encourage sportspersons.

The three states were invited for discussions as they have experience of holding the South Asian Games (Assam), National Games (Jharkhand) and Commonwealth Youth Games (Maharashtra).

They made presentations on the infrastructure available in the state, upgradation required as well as the contribution that the states would make in this regard.

All proposals will be evaluated by the SAI and the Ministry of Sports to take a final decision.

Many of the medal winners of the Khelo India School Games, which were held in January this year, have been incorporated in the Khelo India Talent Identification Scheme in which 734 children have been provided with training, education allowance as well as a monthly allowance of Rs.10,000.

Khelo India School Games participants also went on to break national records in the country as well as abroad. In view of this, there has been considerable interest amongst the state governments to host this event in January 2019.