Guwahati: The Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2023 is all set to commence with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Sarusajai Sports Complex in Guwahati on February 19. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, will grace the event, which promises an extravaganza of sports and cultural celebrations.
Famed playback singer and composer, Papon, known for his soulful renditions, will headline the event, providing a musical treat to the attendees. The ceremony will witness the participation of close to 4500 athletes from 200 universities, competing across the seven sister states of the North-East. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will inspire the athletes through a special video message during the inaugural ceremony.
The grand opening ceremony, titled “Ashtalakshmi,” will feature a thematic showcase highlighting the values of unity, diversity, and the spirit of sportsmanship. The vibrant culture of Assam will take center stage with captivating displays of indigenous arts, adding an extra layer of cultural immersion to the event.
Assam’s Sports and Youth Welfare Minister, Shrimati Nandita Garlosa, expressed excitement about Papon’s inclusion, stating, “Papon is a youth icon of India, and Guwahati will listen to him live. We have had the greatest of musicians like Bhupen Hazarika, but good music doesn’t understand any generation. Both Hazarika and Papon are unique in their ways.”
The Khelo India University Games, a part of the Khelo India initiative launched by the Indian government in 2016, focuses on promoting grassroots sports and identifying young talents from across the country. The Games will see a diverse range of sporting events and competitions until February 29, bringing together athletes and universities in the spirit of healthy competition.
The Sarusajai Sports Complex in Guwahati is abuzz with preparations for the opening ceremony, promising a memorable start to the Khelo India University Games 2023 Ashtalakshmi. The event welcomes all attendees free of charge, fostering a sense of inclusivity and celebration of sportsmanship.
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