- Khelo India Youth Games was kickstarted with a stunning opening ceremony.
- Apart from demonstrating the cultural heritage of Assam, the theme of the ceremony was Unity in Diversity.
- As many as 25,000 spectators marked their attendance for the event.
The 3rd edition of Khelo India Youth Games got a grand start on Friday evening as a colourful cultural opening ceremony enthralled over 25,000 spectators at Indira Gandhi Stadium apart from millions other television viewers.
As many as 6,800 athletes and performers celebrated the spirit of one India.
Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju along with Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the Games at the glitz-filled opening ceremony. The event was marked by wholesome entertainment and a high-tech laser show.
The dream of India becoming a fit nation is gaining momentum more than ever before!#KheloIndia #KIYG2020 #OpeningCeremony #ChaloGuwahati@KirenRijiju @sarbanandsonwal @RijijuOffice @PMOIndia @CMOfficeAssam @IndiaSports @PIB_India @DGSAI @mygovassam @YASMinistry pic.twitter.com/RHdHEzXEQ1
— Khelo India (@kheloindia) January 10, 2020
The colourful opening ceremony was made possible by over 400 cast members, an equal number of technical and support staff.
The audience was left stunned by the innovativeness and creativity. In fact, the impressive full moon appearing overhead added a special touch to the memorable evening.
Assamese performers had the audiences enthralled with their dazzling acts!#KheloIndia #KIYG2020 #OpeningCeremony #ChaloGuwahati@KirenRijiju @sarbanandsonwal @RijijuOffice @PMOIndia @CMOfficeAssam @IndiaSports @PIB_India @DGSAI @mygovassam @YASMinistry @ddsportschannel pic.twitter.com/QL5C4C13PL
— Khelo India (@kheloindia) January 10, 2020
In an outstanding show of solidarity, athletes from the seven north-eastern states joined champion athletes of Assam in the final torch relay.
Star runner Hima Das then lit the symbolic Games flame to declare the game open. Each and every segment was scrupulously planned on the theme ‘unity in diversity’.
All champion athletes from the Northeast participated in the relay of the Khelo India Youth Games 2020 which ended with the superstar @HimaDas8 lighting the torch.#KheloIndia #KIYG2020 #OpeningCeremony #ChaloGuwahati@KirenRijiju @sarbanandsonwal @RijijuOffice @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/yg8D6tMNy5
— Khelo India (@kheloindia) January 10, 2020
“I welcome all athletes from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Arunachal to Gujarat. Over the next 13 days, showcase your talent to the best of your ability because the entire nation is looking forward to seeing you play and bloom,” Sonowal said, before encouraging India stars-in-the-making.
“I want to assure Assam that the Government of India will extend every support to realise its dream of becoming the sports capital of the country,” Rijiju said while lauding the state’s endeavour to host a spectacular event. Shankar Mahadevan was also performed in the evening.
Bollywood superstar singer left everyone ‘breathless’ with his superlative performance. #KheloIndia #KIYG2020 #OpeningCeremony #ChaloGuwahati@KirenRijiju @sarbanandsonwal @RijijuOffice @PMOIndia @CMOfficeAssam @IndiaSports @PIB_India @DGSAI @mygovassam @YASMinistry pic.twitter.com/Ld6SOZxGgT
— Khelo India (@kheloindia) January 10, 2020
As many as 6,800 athletes from 37 states and Union Territories are expected to compete across 20 sports disciplines.
There are several events on offer on Saturday, including athletics, archery, gymnastics, shooting, judo, kabaddi, table tennis and volleyball.
Goosebumps all over as the Assam Rifles performed the national anthem.#KheloIndia #KIYG2020 #OpeningCeremony #ChaloGuwahati@KirenRijiju @sarbanandsonwal @RijijuOffice @PMOIndia @CMOfficeAssam @IndiaSports @PIB_India @DGSAI @mygovassam pic.twitter.com/EVw3ehqFdv
— Khelo India (@kheloindia) January 10, 2020
