The 4th Khelo India Youth Games 2021 got off to a rousing start at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula, Haryana today. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Games in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal and Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur.

Speaking at the opening Shri. Shah said, "I am very happy that Haryana is hosting the fourth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games, a state that is the undisputed Sports Capital of the country. The Union Government has raised the sports budget from Rs 864 crore in 2014 to Rs 1,992 crore in 2022, and the outcome is pretty evident with the best ever medal haul of seven at the Tokyo Olympics, a rise of five from the earlier edition in 2016. Similarly in the Paralympics, the medals rose from a mere four in 2016 to 19 in 2021.”

Khelo India Youth Games is the biggest nationwide grassroots level sports competition in India, started by the Central Government in 2018. Overall, as many as 4,700 athletes, including 2,262 girls, will be vying in 25 sports for 269 gold, 269 silver and 358 bronze medals. The Games would conclude on June 13.

KIYG 2021 will see participation from 37 States and Union Territories of India. This will be held over five cities (Panchkula, Shahbad, Ambala, Chandigarh and Delhi). The games will feature a total of 25 sports, including five indigenous games of India – Kalaripayattu, Thang-Ta, Gatka, Mallakhamba and Yogasana.

Unlike the previous editions, where the Khelo India Youth Games were held in two age categories, this one will only have Under-18 players competing for the honours.