Assam: Torch Relay of Khelo India Youth Games 2020 Held Across Assam

Guwahati, January 8, 2020:

The torch relay for the Khelo India Youth Games 2020, which is scheduled to be held on January 10, was held in different parts of Assam to officially begin the much-awaited games.

In Hailakandi, it began with the former international footballer, Jowel Bey leading the relay.

Around 150 torchbearers comprising students, sportspersons and officials traversed through the main streets of the town before culminating at the Nazrul Sadan premises from where the torch relay started.

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Later, an elated Bey said, “I am delighted to be a part of the mega sporting spectacle. Unlike in our times, sportspersons get enough opportunities from the government. I hope the upcoming sporting event will inspire many to take to sports in a big way and also help in unearthing the latent talents of players who will, in turn, bring laurels to the country in international sporting events. The excitement and enthusiasm generated by the Khelo India Youth Games among the people at large augurs well for further development of sports in the near future.”

In Tinsukia, the torch relay event was held at the Kachujan field. The torch relay event was organized by the District Administration, Tinsukia, in association with the District Sports Association.

It may be mentioned here that the flame will be used to light the cauldron in the Indira Gandhi Stadium, where the opening ceremony will take place on Friday in Guwahati.

The 3rd edition of Khelo India Youth Games will be held between 10th to 22nd January 2020 in Guwahati. The event will witness 20 national level multidisciplinary grassroots games, to be played among the age groups of under-17 and under-21 categories.

The event will be held in 20 disciplines with the participation of 37 states and Union Territories. Khelo India's inaugural edition was held in New Delhi in 2018, while Pune hosted the 2nd edition in 2019.

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Around 10,000 athletes are expected to participate in the mega sporting event.

Every year best performing 1,000 participants are given an annual scholarship of Rs 500,000 for 8 years to prepare them for international sporting events.

The flame will be used to light the cauldron in the Indira Gandhi Stadium, where the opening ceremony will take place on Friday in Guwahati.

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