Rs 138 crore budget for Khelo India Youth Games

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal is hopeful that the third edition of the Khelo India Youth Games that will be held in Guwahati from January 10 to January 22, 2020 will further help the state in becoming the sports capital of the country.

Interacting with media on Saturday, Sonowal stated that the successful conduct of the National Games, South Asia Games and the World Youth Women's Boxing Championship in Guwahati in the past has only showed how efficient Assam is when it comes to hosting events.

He also emphasized on the large number of athletes that are produced by the state, and said that the government's focus is on bettering the sporting culture in Assam.

To inspire youngsters to take up sports as a profession, Assam is building 500 playgrounds, with sports being encouraged in every panchayat. Sonowal further added that sports events are regularly held for the people in tea gardens, and talent hunts to identify at least 1000 upcoming sports stars is being conducted as well. He is also keen on establishing a sports university, the construction of which has already begun.

The Youth Games, meanwhile, is utilizing a budget of INR 138 crore, including a support of INR 34 crore from the Central Government, as per a report in Sportstar. A majority of the budget is being used to provide the sports players with quality accommodation.

"There is a lot of talent in this part of the country. It is our responsibility to empower the young generation and help it realise its potential. It is a big opportunity for us to host the Khelo India Youth Games,” said Sonowal.

The Chief Minister further added that every medal winner in the Khelo India Youth Games hailing from Assam will be rewarded with a cash prize of INR 1 lakh as an incentive. The silver medal winners will be paid INR 75,000, while the bronze medalists from Assam will pocket INR 50,000.

All days of the Games will be telecast live on Star Sports.