Patna: The countdown has begun for the much-anticipated Khelo India Youth Games, which will be hosted in Bihar for the very first time from May 4 to 15. With Patna at the center of preparations, the Patliputra Sports Complex recently witnessed spirited trials for athletics and sepak takraw, two key events in the lineup.
Held under the supervision of the Bihar State Sports Authority, the trials drew enthusiastic participation from across the state. According to Ravindran Shankar, Director General of the Authority, 230 athletes — including 61 girls — arrived from 12 districts to compete in 18 athletics events, showcasing their talent on both the indoor and outdoor tracks of the complex.
The trials for sepak takraw — a sport gaining traction and being introduced in the Khelo India Youth Games for the first time — saw a larger turnout, with 270 players, including 137 girls, vying for a spot. Out of these, 20 boys and 20 girls will be shortlisted based on their performance, potential, and physical ability. Selected athletes will undergo specialized training to represent Bihar in the national event.
Rajgir to Host Pre-Games Training Camp
In preparation for the main event, the athletes selected for the athletics squad will attend a training camp at Rajgir Sports Complex starting April 11. “We are committed to nurturing emerging sports talent. This year, the number of disciplines in the Youth Games has increased to 28, and we are proud that 25 of these competitions will be held across Bihar,” Shankar said.
Apart from Patna, venues include Rajgir (Nalanda), Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai. Meanwhile, events like shooting, track cycling, and gymnastics will be held in Delhi, owing to the infrastructure required for those sports.
Manjhaul Rejoices as Two Local Players Make the Cut
In a proud moment for Manjhaul village, two young volleyball players have been selected to participate in the Khelo India Under-18 Volleyball Tournament, also scheduled at the Patliputra Sports Complex during the national games.
The selected players are Govind Kumar, son of former Deputy Mukhiya Sushil Kumar, and Prince Kumar, son of Home Guard Rajiv Kumar. Both hail from different localities of Manjhaul — Puwari Tola and Thumb Tola respectively.
Govind Kumar brings notable experience to the table, having represented Bihar in several national-level tournaments including:
- 43rd Sub Junior National Volleyball Championship (2021)
- 48th Junior National Volleyball Championship (2022)
- 66th National School Games U-19 (2022-23)
The news of their selection has sparked celebrations in the village, with congratulatory messages pouring in from local leaders, sports authorities, and well-wishers. Among them are national volleyball coach Diwakar Bharti, District Volleyball Association secretary Rakesh Kumar, writer Mahesh Bharti, and Mukhiya Association state secretary Ramesh Singh.
