Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Extends Wishes Ahead of Khelo India University Games 2025
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya conveyed his greetings to young sporting talents on the eve of the fifth edition of the Khelo India University Games 2025, which will begin in Rajasthan tomorrow.
Minister Highlights Importance of KIUG
Dr. Mandaviya described the Khelo India University Games as a significant platform that brings together young athletes who demonstrate dedication, discipline and a commitment to excellence. He noted that the event supports India’s preparations for the Asian Games 2026 and upcoming Commonwealth Games and contributes to building athletes for the global stage.
He praised the perseverance of participating athletes and expressed confidence that the Games would strengthen the national sporting ecosystem and promote excellence across universities. He reaffirmed that the Khelo India pathway enables talented athletes to receive necessary support and opportunities.
Event Locations and Organisers
KIUG 2025 is organised by the Sports Authority of India in collaboration with the Government of Rajasthan and the Rajasthan State Sports Council. The event will take place across seven cities including Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Ajmer, Bharatpur and Bikaner.
This edition marks the first time Rajasthan is hosting the Games. The event is conducted in association with the Association of Indian Universities and National Sports Federations. Poornima University is serving as the host university.
Athlete Participation and New Sports
Approximately 5000 athletes from more than 230 universities will participate in 24 disciplines, which include 23 medal events and one demonstration sport. New additions this year include canoeing, kayaking, cycling and beach volleyball.
Several prominent athletes will compete in the event, including Olympian swimmer Srihari Nataraj and international archers such as Olympian Bhajan Kaur, Parneet Kaur, an Asian Games gold medallist and world champion compound archer Aditi Gopichand Swami.
Comments From Athletes and Officials
Nataraj from Jain University will participate in six swimming events. This will be his second appearance at the Khelo India University Games after competing in the 2022 edition. He noted that KIUG provides a valuable platform for upcoming swimmers and recognised the sports ministry’s efforts to run programmes that support athletes.
Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports for Rajasthan and a 2004 Athens Olympics silver medallist in rifle shooting, stated that every young person possesses some form of talent. He emphasised that the vision of the Prime Minister is to provide opportunities for young individuals to excel. He added that while medals are not the only measure of success, sports contribute to shaping good citizens.