The fifth edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2025 is set to captivate sports enthusiasts across India, taking place from November 24 to December 5, 2025, in seven vibrant cities of Rajasthan. This 12-day sporting extravaganza will feature 23 medal sports and introduce kho-kho as a demonstration event, showcasing the diversity and talent of India’s young athletes.
Host Cities and Scale of the Event
The KIUG 2025 will be hosted across Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, and Bharatpur, offering a unique opportunity to experience Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage alongside thrilling sports action. Over 5,000 athletes from universities nationwide are expected to compete, making this one of the largest university-level sporting events in India.
A Stepping Stone to Sporting Glory
Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized the significance of KIUG, stating, “The Khelo India University Games are a crucial link in India’s sporting pathway. Across the world, universities play a vital role in shaping champions, and KIUG provides our young athletes a platform to showcase their ability at a national level.” He further highlighted that the Rajasthan edition will be a “stepping stone to glory” for aspiring athletes aiming to represent India on the global stage.
Dr. Mandaviya added, “Under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Khelo India initiative has created a robust ecosystem that encourages participation, talent development, and excellence. The University Games in Rajasthan will inspire thousands of students to pursue sports alongside academics and strengthen the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ through competition and camaraderie.”
New Sports and Disciplines
KIUG 2025 will feature an exciting lineup of 23 medal sports, including:
- Archery
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Fencing
- Football
- Hockey
- Judo
- Kabaddi
- Mallakhamb
- Rugby
- Shooting
- Swimming
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
- Yogasana
- Cycling (New)
- Beach Volleyball (New)
- Canoeing and Kayaking (New)
Kho-kho will make its debut as a demonstration sport, adding a traditional Indian flavor to the games.
Highlights from Previous Editions
In the previous KIUG held in Northeast India, Chandigarh University clinched the top spot, followed by Lovely Professional University in second and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, in third. The 2025 edition promises to build on this legacy, offering fierce competition and new talent discoveries.
About the Khelo India Initiative
The Khelo India Scheme, a flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, aims to foster a robust sports ecosystem in India. By organizing national-level competitions like the Khelo India University Games, Youth Games, Winter Games, Para Games, Beach Games, and Water Sports Festival, the initiative identifies and nurtures talent, paving the way for global excellence. To date, 20 editions of Khelo India Games have been successfully conducted, involving stakeholders such as National Sports Federations, the School Games Federation of India, and the Association of Indian Universities.
Why KIUG 2025 Matters
The Khelo India University Games 2025 is more than just a sporting event—it’s a celebration of talent, unity, and the spirit of competition. By introducing new sports and hosting the event across multiple cities, KIUG 2025 will inspire a new generation of athletes and strengthen India’s position as an emerging powerhouse in global sports.