Maharashtra is all geared up to host the second edition of the Khelo India Youth Games, which will officially begin on January 9 in Pune, with “improved” sports infrastructure, including an upgraded shooting range.
Maharashtra Sports Minister Vinod Tawde on Monday said that competitions will take place in 18 different disciplines and over 900 athletes from the host state will take part in these Games.
“It is an honour for Maharashtra to host these games. We got some funds from the Centre and the state government also chipped in to refurbish sports infrastructure at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune.
“All the stadiums have been upgraded. Electronic and digital targets have been fitted at the shooting range,” said the minister.
“Around 14,000 persons, including 9,000 sportspersons and 4,000 managers, will be coming for the Games. The accommodation of players has been made in good hotels in and around Pune and not in dormitories,” said Tawde.
“Because of Khelo India, these sportspersons will be identified at a young age, get training and scholarship, which will benefit them in their career,” added Tawde.
“We want to develop sports culture in school kids, college youth, so we have started appealing to schools and colleges to have one evening in a week as no gadget evening,” the minister informed.
It has already been announced that Youth Olympics gold medallists in shooting, Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary, as well as weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga, will be among the cream of India’s young sporting talent competing at these Games.
