Image Source – KIUG

2021 is finally giving us excellent news on sporting events! With almost a year in lockdown and clamp-on sporting activities and events, the Union Sports Ministry has given the sporting fraternity hope with the announcement of the Khelo India University Games 2021 slated to be hosted in Jain University, Karnataka this year. 

Taking pride in the success of the Khelo India Youth Games, the Khelo India University Games are intended for university students between the ages of 18 and 25 who have immense talent in their respective sporting fields. 

What are the Khelo India University Games all about? 

Image Source – Khelo India

The Khelo India University Games is a national-level sporting event that invites athletes from universities across the nation to compete in a host of sporting events and showcase their talent. The first edition of these games was held in Cuttack, being inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi. This year, the second edition is being hosted at Jain University. 

Image Source – Jain University

Many of the games will also be held at various venues that are yet to be announced across Karnataka. These Games are an initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to provide a platform for young students, especially those from backgrounds where they don’t have access to sporting infrastructure and support, to showcase their merit and develop talent. 

This event aims to promote sporting activities, camaraderie among young people and bring sporting talent to the university level. These Games are witnessed by the best of coaches, mentors, athletes, and sponsors – scouting talent is a huge part of these Games since many young athletes are identified for their capabilities to hone talent and represent India at the Asian Games and Olympics. 

Who is the main organizer behind the Khelo India University Games?

The Games are organized jointly by –

• Sports Authority of India
• Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
• Association of Indian Universities
• Indian Olympic Association
• National Sports Federation

Owing to the affiliation and organization level, the Khelo India University Games is India’s largest university-level sporting competition. 

Who participates in these Games?

Students at a university level are welcome to participate in these Games. In the first edition, almost 158 universities were represented by over 3,000 athletes. This year is expected to be even bigger. 

Some of the huge names from last year’s edition include Dutee Chand (participated in athletics and went on to set a record for the 100m university race at 11.49 seconds), Srihari Nataraj (participated in swimming), and Vahbiz Bharucha (Rugby Player). 

The 2021 edition is expecting over 4,000 athletes to participate. Last year, the winners were Panjab University, winning 46 medals, and Savitribai Phule Pune University finishing a close second with 37 medals. 

Some of the other universities that participated included the University of Mumbai, Mahatma Gandhi University, Barkatullah University, Kurukshetra University, Jain University, and Lovely Professional University. 

What are some events of the Khelo India University Games?

Last year, around 17 events were held. This year, the Games will witness 19 sporting events in the under-25 category, played following the World University Games regulations and norms. 

The sports played at these Games include many events such as archery, kabaddi, rugby, athletics, swimming, badminton, fencing, boxing, football, judo, hockey, wrestling, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, and weightlifting. 

Last year, rugby and fencing were two sports to be included for the first time in a competitive Khelo India avatar. This year, the newest additions are yogasana and mallakhamb. 

Are you ready to participate in the ‘Khel’?

The Khelo India University Games is an inclusive event that allows students from across the country to compete and portray their grit, mettle, talent, and sportsmanship. Students across the nation are waiting with bated breath to participate and make their alma mater proud. 

At The Sports School, university level, we are excited to have the opportunity to participate and showcase our in-grown talent at a national level! Our students have been training hard, and it is our prerogative to ensure they can compete with other athletes at the university level. Our students have all the merit and talent to make the university proud with their participation at the Khelo India University Games. 

The dates of the 2021 event are yet to be announced and will be announced on the official website. 

The post Khelo India University Games 2021: All you need to know appeared first on The Sports School.

KIYG is popularly known as Khelo India Youth Games and plans on taking place in the state of Haryana in 2021. For 2021, the Sports Ministry at New Delhi approved the inclusion of 4 indigenous sports in December 2020 in addition to Yogasana. They are Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Thang-Ta, and Mallakhamba. Kiren Rijiju, India’s Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, aims to preserve, promote, and celebrate our indigenous sports. With this, he points at adding more games that portray indigeneity. He believes that there is no better event than KIYG to showcase native talent. It is a moment of pride for the entire nation as different parts of the country come together through these skillful games. Gatka is from Punjab, Kalaripayattu from Kerala, Thang-Ta from Manipur, and Mallakhamba from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It will not only elevate the enthusiasm of the athletes but also inform the youth of the country. 

It is time we get a glance at these games for better understanding.

• Gatka – Martial art of Punjab
  
  

  Image Source- The Bridge

For those who are unaware, Gatka is the traditional form of martial arts that was introduced by the Sikh community. With all grace and determination, it is now a sport that is nationally recognized. Soti, the wooden stick used that mimics the swords, is used for stick fighting. While playing, two or more professionals represent the warriors of the late seventeenth century when Sikhs fought with the Mughals. It includes combat training, basic self-defense, and lastly, the use of weapons only if other means have failed to save you from the threat. It abides by the principle of Sikhism. The incorporation of Gatka among indigenous sports in KIYG will motivate the Gatka Federation of India (GFI) and the elite professionals.

• Kalaripayattu – Martial art of Kerala
  
  

  Image Source- Neuronerdz

Kalaripayattu, also known as Kalari, is one of the oldest and most empirical forms of martial art. Its origin is from Kerala that is now respected and acknowledged across the globe. The Kalari professionals can sync their minds and bodies like a true warrior. It abides by the guru-shishya tradition and includes body training, a controlled mind, strong moves, and extreme determination. Kalari means sacred ground or battlefield, so the students show respect to the ground by applying the mud/soil on their head and further on the idol, followed by bowing. 

• Thang-Ta – Martial art of Manipur
  
  

  Image Source- Inside Chronicle

Thang-Ta, meaning sword and spear, is a traditional game traced back to ancient times where Thang-Ta Gurus performed it. It is also known as Huyen Lallong and requires perfect coordination between breath and movements. It has been a part of Manipur history since the Meitei’s protected their kingdom from the invaders. The value of this sport is more than a game for an event. One must respect their strength and determination as to how a small ethnic community fought against their hostile neighbors for survival. Before the significance of the game goes into the state of oblivion and isolation, the sports ministry has declared the inclusion of Thang-Ta as an indigenous game in KIYG 2021. 

• Mallakhamb – Ariel gymnasts
  
  

  Image Source- The National

Mallakhamba, unlike the other three indigenous sports, is a game showcasing gymnastics on a pole. It is widely seen in the state of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra but is practiced all over India. As the name suggests, Malla means a wrestler, and Khamba means a pole. In this sport, the gymnast performs various poses, movements, and yoga postures on the pole. This traditional Indian sport is all about flexibility and balance where your mind needs to be at peace. Various forms are seen in this game, such as a fixed pole, hanging pole, or a rope for performing the art. Regardless of that, the indigenous sport focuses on testing endurance, strength, stamina, and balance. Its addition to the Khelo India Youth Games for 2021 under indigenous sports will inspire the nation’s youth. 

Conclusion 

Indigenous sports of our nation are an essential part of people’s culture and heritage. One should be aware of the stories behind the creation of these forms of art. Our nation’s sports ministry initiatives of including four indigenous sports in KIYG 2021 will preserve the culture, motivate the youngsters, and encourage the athletes. Regular participation and interest in native sports will help you to stay in touch with your heritage, culture, and get to explore its roots. With the incorporation of indigenous games in the upcoming event of 2021 – Khelo India Youth Games, there will be fun, friendly competition, and different states on a single platform with their cultures beautifully portrayed.

The Sports School, a Kalpen Ventures initiative, in association with JAIN GROUP OF INSTITUTIONS (JGI), a 28-year-old educational conglomerate, aims for a holistic approach to educate and guide students. With 85 institutes across India, JGI not only brings in elite thought leadership, but also focuses on empowering talent across the nation by encouraging curiosity, learning and initiative. JGI’s alumni include over 10+ Arjuna, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan Awardees and 300+ sportsperson of International and National repute.

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The post 4 Indigenous Sports To Be Included In KIYG 2021 appeared first on The Sports School.