VP opens KIUG 2021 games with glitzy opening ceremony

oath on behalf of all athletes after the Games were declared open by Naidu. Sports legends such as Vimal Kumar, Anju Bobby George, Reeth Abraham, Ashwini Nachappa, Malathi Holla, BR Beedu, AB Subbiah, SV Sunil, VR Raghunath were also part of the opening ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Naidu emphasised the need to encourage sporting activity at village level and called for developing the necessary sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, with concerted efforts of the centre, state and local bodies. “Together, these will take the Indian sporting potential to new heights,” he added. The Vice President also called for awarding extra marks to sportspersons in college admissions and promotions in various departments. “Incentives like this will go a long way in encouraging the sports in the country,” he said. Naidu gave a call to return to the roots and asked all stakeholders to give top priority to indigenous and rural sports. He expressed happiness over the fact that this edition of Khelo India would feature 20 sports disciplines with indigenous sports like Yogasana and Mallakhamba introduced for the first time. “This is very important in order to preserve and promote our rural and indigenous games which are rooted in tradition and are a part of our cultural heritage,” he said Sharing his message at the inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Bengaluru symbolises the youthful enthusiasm of the country and is the pride of professionals. He said that it is significant that a confluence of startups and sports is happening here. “Holding of the Khelo India University Games in Bengaluru will add to the energy of this beautiful city,” he said. The Prime Minister saluted the resolve of the organizers as organization of the Games amidst the challenges of the pandemic epitomises their determination and passion. This youthful passion is driving New India in every field with new momentum, the Prime Minister added. Modi underlined the importance of team spirit as the first mantra of success. “This team spirit we get to learn from sports. You will experience it directly in the Khelo India University Games. This team spirit also gives us a new way of looking at life,” the Prime Minister said. Similarly, a holistic approach and 100 percent dedication are the key requirements of success in sports. Strengths and learnings from the sports field also take one forward in life. “Sports, in real sense, is the genuine support system of life”, Modi emphasised. The Prime Minister also drew similarities between sports and life with regards to various aspects such as passion, challenges, learning from defeat, integrity and ability to live in the moment. “Wearing the victory well and learning from defeat is an important art that we learn in the sports field,” he said. Welcoming nearly 4000 athletes, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said KIUG 2021 is a great opportunity for the state to prove its hospitality and dedication to maintain the national integrity of the nation and culture. “PM Narendra Modi has given impetus and a new dimension to our sporting world with his mission of Khelo India,” he said.