The first ‘Khelo India School Games’ event was successfully launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid huge fanfare, at Indira Gandhi International Stadium in Delhi, on January 31. The initiative aims to strengthen Indian sports scenario in the long run. The 9-day multi-sport tournament began from January 31 and will last until February 8. The ‘Khelo India’ will be telecasted Live on Star Network. The live streaming of the Khelo India School Games can also be seen on official Hotstar App and Website.

The Sports initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will see competitors display their fine mettle across 16 disciplines – Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Shooting, Swimming, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and Wrestling. As the Day 2 of the mega event ended on Thursday, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Haryana were on the top three spots respectively in the Medal Tally. You can check the state-wise list of winners and Medal Tally of Khelo India School Games 2018.

Khelo India School Games initiative drew huge praises from Indian athletes who have successfully represented the country and won in international tournaments. Former Indian Football Captain Baichung Bhutia said, “The pyramid structure of Khelo India will have a strong and lasting impact at the grassroots level. It is important that we reach out to the kids and encourage them to go out and play.” Wrestler Vijender Kumar said, “It is a very good initiative by the government and a step in the right direction. It will give a huge boost to India's Olympics aspirations.”

Deepa Malik, a silver medal winner in Rio Paralympics, said: “It is high time we pushed the country to become a sporting nation. It is only when we catch talent at an impressionable age that will help in inculcating the habit of sports as a healthy lifestyle." PT Usha, queen of track and field, said, “We used to get support only after winning medals. We did not have a system that Khelo India is trying to put in place to capture, groom and nurture talent.”

This sports initiative is one-of-its-kind in India and will look to nurture talents on the grassroots level. It comes as a huge boost to the sorry state of affairs prevalent in Indian Sports’ culture. A high-level committee will be set-up by the Sports ministry which will track, nurture and aid special talents across different games. The identified players will be scouted and then be awarded Rs. 5 lakh per annum for 8 years. Stay tuned for all the updates of Khelo India School Games 2018 here. (Quotes from PTI)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 02, 2018 01:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).