The Khelo India Youth Games 2025 was conducted for the first time in Bihar from 4th May to 15th May 2025 as the 7th edition of India’s biggest youth sports festival. This grant event brought around 10,000 young athletes from around the world. With many electrifying performances, cultural unity, and record-breaking participation, the Khelo India Youth Games strengthen the spirit of “Khel se Desh, Khel se Vikas”: Nation through Sports, Development through Sports.
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Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Overview
The Khelo India Youth Games 2025 is the 7th edition of India’s premier youth sports event, which was held from 4th May to 15th May 2025. The game was conducted across five major cities, such as Patna, Rajgir, Begusarai, Gaya, and Bhagalpur, with additional events in New Delhi. The Khelo India Youth Games 2025 theme was “Khel se Desh, Khel se Vikas” (Nation through Sports, Development through Sports), and the official mascot, “Gajasimha,” symbolized strength and valor. This game not only spotlighted rising sports talent in the world but also enhanced sports infrastructure in Bihar with the Khelo India Programme’s objectives of promoting grassroots sports and fostering a healthier and more active India.
| Event | Details |
| Participants | Over 10,000 athletes, coaches, and staff |
| States/UTs Represented | 28 States & 8 Union Territories |
| Sports | 27 disciplines, including Olympic, indigenous, and demo sports |
| New Addition | Esports featured as a demonstration sport for the first time |
| Top Performer | Maharashtra topped the medal tally with 158 medals |
| Closing Venue | Patliputra Sports Complex, Patna |
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What Are Khelo India Youth Games?
The Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) is a multi-sport competition observed annually, introduced under the Khelo India Programme by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This game provides a national platform for young athletes (under-18 and under-21 categories) to compete in Olympic and indigenous sports that help them build their careers in sports.
What Is the Khelo India Programme?
The Khelo India Programme was launched in 2018 aiming to improve the sports ecosystem in India through grassroots development, infrastructure support, and athlete scholarships. Some of the key objectives of the Khelo India Programme are
- Encourage sports culture at the school and college level
- Identify and nurture young talent
- Support athletes with scholarships and training
- Develop world-class sports infrastructure
- Promote fitness and well-being across society
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Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Venue and Schedule
The Khelo India Youth Games 2025 was scheduled between May 4 to May 15, 2025 for the first time in Bihar, in five cities such as Patna, Rajgir, Begusarai, Gaya, and Bhagalpur. While some events, such as gymnastics, shooting, and cycling, were held in New Delhi.
Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Mascot
The official Khelo India Youth Games 2025 mascot was “Gajasimha.” This is one of the majestic and mythical creatures that symbolize strength, courage, and determination. The mascot captured the spirit of the games and became a crowd favorite throughout the event.
Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Registration
Candidates can participate in the games through the official Khelo India Youth Games 2025 registration process on the Khelo India portal. Various schools, state sports federations, and recognized bodies nominate some talented athletes based on their performance and eligibility.
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Khelo India Games List: Sports Featured in 2025
This year’s edition featured competitions in 27 disciplines, blending Olympic and traditional Indian sports such as athletics, hockey, wrestling, kabaddi, table tennis, shooting, swimming, archery, badminton, basketball, boxing, cycling, fencing, football, gatka, gymnastics, judo, kalaripayattu, kho kho, mallakhamb, sepak takraw, tennis, thang-ta, volleyball, weightlifting, yogasana, and rugby. For the first time, Esports was introduced as a demo sport. The Khelo India Youth Games 2025 used a team championship format that means states and union territories were ranked based on their total medals.
Participation and Highlights
Over 10,000 participants, including players, coaches, and staff from 28 states and 8 union territories, showcased incredible performances. The games not only encouraged national integration but also highlighted the growing popularity of traditional Indian sports like Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and Kho Kho.
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Medal Tally and Top Performers of Khelo India Youth Games 2025
The team championship format ranked states based on their medal tally. Maharashtra once again dominated the leaderboard. Here is the list of 5 states that have performed well in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025
| Rank | State | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 1 | Maharashtra | 58 | 47 | 53 | 158 |
| 2 | Haryana | 39 | 27 | 51 | 117 |
| 3 | Rajasthan | 24 | 12 | 24 | 60 |
| 4 | Karnataka | 17 | 26 | 15 | 58 |
| 5 | Delhi | 16 | 20 | 32 | 68 |
Host state Bihar also impressed with 36 medals (7 Gold, 11 Silver, 18 Bronze), making a strong impact on their debut as hosts.
Closing Ceremony
The grand closing ceremony was held at Patliputra Sports Complex, Patna, in the presence of dignitaries like the Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports and the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar. The event featured dazzling cultural performances and celebrated the spirit of youth and unity.
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Why Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Matter
The Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 is important for various reasons, especially because India can focus on sports excellence, youth development, and national integration. Some Key reasons are mentioned below:
- Talent Discovery: This game is a national platform to identify and nurture young talents for international events.
- Grassroots Development: The Game connects school-level athletes with elite sport systems with scholarships and training support.
- Innovation & Esports: Includes Esports as a demo event, embracing modern trends and engaging youth.
- Inclusivity & Outreach: Hosted across multiple cities in Bihar and Delhi, promoting sports culture and regional development.
Conclusion
The Khelo India Youth Games 2025 was a milestone event in Bihar that showcased India’s young sporting talent and the power of mutual efforts to nurture future Olympians. This edition was a celebration of skill, discipline, and national pride, with the wide-ranging Khelo India Games list to its vibrant mascot Gajasimha. With the Khelo India Programme, India is developing towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse.
Khelo India Youth Games 2025 FAQs
When was the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 held?
The Khelo India Youth Games 2025 was held from 4th May to 15th May, 2025.
Where was the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 hosted?
The Khelo India Youth Games 2025 was hosted in 5 cities in bihar Patna, Gaya, Rajgir, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai—and some select events were held in New Delhi.
How many sports were featured in Khelo India Youth Games 2025?
There are a total of 28 sports included, with 1 demonstration sport (Esports), in Khelo India Youth Games 2025.
Who can participate in the Khelo India Youth Games?
Athletes under the age of 18 years, typically representing their state or union territory, can participate based on qualification and selection by state sports bodies.
