By A Correspondent
Patna: To ensure the success of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, which is being held for the first time in Bihar from 4th to 15th May, preparations are underway across the state’s districts. On 26th and 27th March, Dr. B. Rajender, Additional Chief Secretary of the Sports Department, along with Raveendran Sankaran, Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority, and Mahendra Kumar, Director of the Sports Department, inspected the preparations and sports grounds in Nalanda, Gaya, and Patna districts.
Following the inspection, a review meeting was chaired by Dr. B. Rajender, where officials were given necessary guidelines to enhance arrangements for accommodation, food, security, law and order, playground facilities, drinking water, sanitation, transport, and toilets for the smooth organisation of the event. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring robust security measures for both players and spectators. The district administration will also oversee extensive publicity and beautification efforts.
Dr. B. Rajender stated that from 4th to 15th May, 27 sporting events will be held across five districts in Bihar: Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, Begusarai, and Bhagalpur. Additionally, track cycling, shooting, and gymnastics will take place in Delhi.
Events by District:
- Patna: Athletics, Rugby Sevens, Volleyball, Basketball (Pataliputra Sports Complex), E-Sports, Wrestling, Judo (BMP-5), Boxing, Table Tennis (Patel Sports Complex, Railway), Tennis (IAS Bhawan), Road Cycling (Marine Drive, Ganga Path).
- Nalanda (Rajgir): Fencing, Hockey, Weightlifting, Kabaddi (Rajgir Sports Complex).
- Gaya: Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Yogasana (IIM Gaya); Gatka, Kho-Kho, Thang-Ta, Swimming (Bipard).
- Bhagalpur: Archery, Badminton (Sandy’s Compound Ground & Complex).
- Begusarai: Football (Men at Yamuna Bhagat Complex; Women at IOCL Barauni).
Raveendran Sankaran, Director General and CEO of the Bihar State Sports Authority, assured that proper arrangements for food and accommodation would be made for players, coaches, and technical staff at each venue to minimise logistical issues. Adequate facilities will also be provided at sports centres in Gaya, Rajgir, Patna, and Bhagalpur.
For seamless event management, district committees will be formed via the NRSS portal, with the administration focusing on operational and aesthetic improvements. Volunteers from Nehru Yuva Kendra, NCC, Scouts and Guides, and NSS will be registered to ensure disciplined conduct throughout the competition.
The review meeting was attended by key officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Dr. B. Rajender, Raveendran Sankaran, Sports Director Mahendra Kumar, Joint Secretary (Building Construction) Ashutosh Dwivedi, Bihar Sports University Registrar Rajnikanth, Nalanda District Magistrate-in-charge Deepak Mishra, Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni, and other senior administrative and police officers.
