Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur and Chief Minister of Assam to attend the opening ceremony of Khelo India University Games in Guwahati on February 19
Guwahati: Amidst a palpable buzz, Guwahati is getting ready to host the opening ceremony of the 4th edition of Khelo India University Games 2023 Ashtalakshmi at Sarusajai Stadium on 19th February. The Games, being played across the seven-sister states of the North-East, will end on February 29. Close to 4,500 athletes from 200 Universities across the country are participating in KIUG 2023.
The Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Anurag Singh Thakur will be attending the opening ceremony of Khelo India University Games alongside the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Hon’ble Prime Minister will be inspiring the athletes through a video message during the ceremony.
Angaraag Mahanta, who is popularly known as Papon, is expected to perform during the opening ceremony of KIUG 2023 Ashtalakshmi. Assam’s Sports and Youth Welfare minister, Smt. Nandita Garlosa said “Papon’s inclusion will add glamour to the opening ceremony extravaganza. Papon is a youth icon of India and Guwahati will listen to him live. We have had the greatest musicians like Bhupen Hazarika but good music doesn’t understand any generation. Both Hazarika and Papon are unique in their own ways”.
The grand opening of the Games, which will welcome all attendees free of charge, will also feature a thematic show highlighting the values of unity, diversity, and the spirit of sportsmanship. Additionally, the vibrant culture of Assam will take centerstage with captivating displays of indigenous arts, adding an extra layer of cultural immersion to the event.
Notably, the Khelo India University Games 2023 Ashtalakshmi commenced on Saturday with kabaddi matches at the Sarusajai Stadium. As many as eight teams divided into two pools are competing for glory.
The KIUG is a part of the Indian government’s Khelo India initiative that was launched in 2016. The Khelo India mission focuses on promoting grassroots sports and identifying young talents from across the country.
