Rijiju calls inter-university event 'Khelo India University Games' a 'revolutionary' step

Days ahead of first-ever Khelo India University Games, Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday had called inter-university games festival a revolutionary step in country.

" event is funded by  Sports Ministry in association with state government. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and National Sports Federations (NSF) are also supporting event. This is a revolutionary step by government as we started University Games in India for first-time," Rijiju told ANI.

"Earlier, inter-university games did t get government support. It was all self-funded tournaments by universities in different sports like athletics, football, volleyball, and table tennis to name a few. From this year onwards, all universities around country will get recognised under Associations of Indian Universities and will take part in Khelo India University Games," Rijiju said.

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Rijiju also spoke about Kambala jockey from Karnataka who became an overnight sensation after his record of running 145 metres in 13.62 at traditional sport. Rijiju said that he has arranged trials for Kambala jockey after he broke  record in Kambala event. Netizens have compared Kambala jockey with fastest sprinter Usain Bolt.

"I have ordered if he is physically fit n his trial should be conducted. If he is up to standard, we will take him to camp. We will give proper chance to every player in this country," Rijiju said adding, "Standard of Olympics is different from traditional sports. It is t right to compare two as we cant go by amateur record but only by official trial."

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Khelo India University Games festival

 Khelo India University Games will be held at KIIT University, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha from February 22, 2020, to March 1, 2020. In this event, 17 games will be held for individual as well as a team event. games include archery, athletics, boxing, fencing, judo, swimming, weightlifting, wrestling, badminton, basketball, football, hockey, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, rugby, and kabaddi. Approximately 4,000 athletes from around 80-100 universities, apart from technical and supporting staff will take part in this event.

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