Narendra Modi inaugurates opening ceremony of the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 13th Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, marking the beginning of 2024. During the event, he launched and laid the foundation stone for broadcasting sector projects worth approximately Rs 250 crores. In his address, PM Modi emphasized the significance of organizing mega sporting events for making India a top sporting nation and highlighted the exposure provided to athletes through Khelo India Abhiyan.

The Prime Minister acknowledged Tamil Nadu's contribution to producing sports champions and mentioned the achievements of athletes like the Amritraj Brothers, Bhaskaran, Vishwanathan Anand, Praggnanandhaa, and Mariyappan. He expressed confidence that athletes would draw inspiration from the state's rich sporting legacy.

PM Modi also underscored India's recent successes in sports post-2014, including the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Asian Games, and University Games. He emphasized the government's support through initiatives like the Khelo India campaign and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme.

The Prime Minister declared the government's commitment to providing international exposure to young athletes and announced plans to host the Youth Olympics in 2029 and the Olympic Games in 2036 in India. He highlighted the economic potential of the sports industry, focusing on skill development, infrastructure, and the creation of sports-related employment opportunities.

PM Modi concluded by declaring the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 open and expressed confidence in India's youth to set and achieve significant goals in various sectors, including sports. The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Governor and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and Union Ministers of Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports.