The Sports Authority of India on Wednesday held presentations and discussions with the state governments of Assam, Jharkhand and Maharashtra to explore the possibilities of holding the Khelo India Youth Games in January, 2019, in their respective State capitals.
This move by SAI aims to take forward the agenda of sports development at the grassroots level, which is the core of the Khelo India Scheme. By holding the Games outside Delhi, the states will have an opportunity to conduct an event of international standards, thereby creating a legacy of sports infrastructure as well as an environment to encourage sportspersons, SAI said in a press release.
Many medal winners of the Khelo India School Games, held in January, 2018 have been incorporated in the Khelo India Talent Identification Scheme in which 734 children have been provided with training, education allowance as well as monthly allowance of ₹10,000. Many participants also went on to break national records at events in and outside the country.
Assam, Jharkhand and Maharashtra were invited for discussions as they have had the experience of holding the South Asian Games in Assam, National Games in Jharkhand as well as Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune.
Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore will take the final decision after evaluating the proposals.
