The stage has been set for the grand inauguration of the third Khelo India Youth Games on January 10th, 2020 at Guwahati in Assam.

The opening ceremony will be held at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, also known as Sarusajai Stadium, on January 10th, 2020. Ace sprinter Hima Das will be the torchbearer in the opening ceremony of the event.

Around 6,800 athletes from 37 teams will compete in a total of 20 national level multidisciplinary grassroots games, including new additions – lawn bowls and cycling. The sporting events will take place in eight venues across Guwahati.

The city has been decked up for the event with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi adorning every banner, poster and placard put up for the occasion. Modi was supposed to inaugurate the event, however, the Assam government recently said that he was never invited for Khelo India.

It may be mentioned, the All Assam Students’ Union and other Northeast student groups have already warned of widespread protests if Modi makes an appearance at the Khelo India.  

Assam Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal, Union Sports minister Kiren Rijjju and several star players would grace the opening ceremony. The entries are free for the entire event including the opening and closing ceremonies. 

Photo credit: @kiyg2020Ghy