GG News Bureau
Chennai, 1st Feb. Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur awarded trophies at the closing ceremony of the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in Chennai on Wednesday.
During the ceremony, Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur expressed that the Khelo India Games, initiated by the Honourable Prime Minister, is a platform for young people to showcase their talents and harness their potential.
He also mentioned that the Honourable Prime Minister has consistently supported the youth, attending the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Youth Games in Tamil Nadu and motivating them during his visit to Nashik for Youth Programmes. The Prime Minister’s interaction with athletes has boosted their confidence on the field.
Maharashtra secured the top position with 158 medals (57 gold, 48 silver, 53 bronze), followed by Tamil Nadu and Haryana in second and third place, respectively, with 98 medals (38 gold, 21 silver, 39 bronze) and 103 medals (35 gold, 22 silver, 46 bronze).
A total of 7,234 participants, including athletes, technical officials, and volunteers, took part in the games.
Minister Thakur stated that the Khelo India Youth Games have grown in stature with each edition. This year, 4,454 young athletes from 36 states and union territories competed in 26 sports, with almost equal representation of male and female athletes.
He added that the Honourable Prime Minister envisions India becoming a global sporting superpower, and the evolving sports ecosystem is evidence of this transformation.
The games witnessed the creation of 30 overall meet records and national youth records. Athletics accounted for 8 records, while weightlifting set 22 records. Haryana athletes set 7 records, Maharashtra set 6, and Tamil Nadu’s Keerthana set 3 records in weightlifting.
Swimmer Vritti Agarwal of Telangana stood out as one of the best athletes, winning 5 gold medals in various swimming events.
The games also featured 23 prominent athletes who have participated in major international competitions, including Aditi Gopichand Swami in Archery and L Dhanush in Weightlifting.
Minister Thakur expressed immense pride and optimism for the talent and spirit displayed during the Khelo India Youth Games.
