PM Modi Opens Khelo India Games in Bihar, Praises Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Pushes for 2036 Olympics Bid

Patna: With a greeting in Bhojpuri that echoed across screens and stadiums, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday evening virtually inaugurated the Khelo India Youth Games-2025, marking the first time Bihar is hosting the national sporting spectacle.

“More than 6,000 young athletes will participate in events across Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur and Begusarai,” the Prime Minister said, hailing it as a defining moment for the state’s sporting journey. He also praised 14-year-old cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi, calling him “Bihar’s son” and lauding his record-breaking performance in the IPL. “Vaibhav’s consistency and determination through repeated match practice brought him to this stage,” PM Modi said.

The virtual ceremony was complemented by an on-ground celebration at Patna’s Patliputra Sports Complex, where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar lit the ceremonial torch, formally launching the games. The event saw attendance from both Deputy Chief Ministers, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, as well as Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya.

Choudhary took a moment to recognise Nitish Kumar’s contribution, asking the audience to applaud the Chief Minister. “It is his vision that has brought the Khelo India Youth Games to Bihar,” he said. “Once considered a backward state with no sporting culture, Bihar has been transformed — with over 7,000 new sports grounds developed under his leadership.”

Running from May 4 to 15, the games span five districts and feature 8,500 athletes from 28 states and 8 union territories, competing across 28 sports disciplines for a total of 2,435 medals. In addition to the athletes, around 1,500 coaches and technical officials are also participating.

PM Modi also used the occasion to share India’s Olympic aspirations, affirming that the country is working toward hosting the Games in 2036. He highlighted the government’s grassroots initiatives to promote sports from school level onwards, including support for lesser-known disciplines like Sepak Takraw.