Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Patna on May 4, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced this on Monday. The announcement marks a significant moment for Bihar, which will host the national event across five districts—Patna, Gaya, Nalanda, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai—until May 15.
Speaking at an event alongside Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, CM Nitish described the games as a “proud opportunity” for Bihar to enhance its sporting infrastructure and promote youth engagement in athletics.
“This is a matter of great joy for us,” Nitish said. “The event will not only put Bihar on the national sports map but also help us build and improve the facilities our athletes deserve.”
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the games will see participation from 8,500 athletes and 1,500 technical staff from across the country, making it one of the largest youth sporting events hosted by the state.
At the same event, the logo and mascot for the games—Maskhankar—were unveiled remotely from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. The mascot is expected to embody the spirit of youth, determination, and cultural vibrancy.
What Are the Khelo India Youth Games?
Launched in 2017, the Khelo India initiative was designed to revive India’s sporting culture at the grassroots level. Backed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the programme seeks to identify and nurture young sporting talent through national-level competitions such as the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), University Games (KIUG), and Winter Games (KIWG).
