What to expect from Khelo India University Games 2023 in Guwahati

Published at :February 14, 2024 at 8:03 PM

Modified at :February 14, 2024 at 8:03 PM

(Courtesy : Khelo India)

This is fourth edition of University games

The vibrant city of Guwahati will be the center of sporting action over the next 15 days as it readies to host the fourth edition of the Khelo India University Games 2023 from February 19-29.

Several kiosks have also been set up at major locations to guide visitors even as several activations are in force, urging and inviting residents to come out in large numbers to watch the stars in action.

Arriving athletes will get the feel of a festive atmosphere and a big-ticket sporting event as soon as they exit the airport or railway station, with Khelo India University Games (KIUG) hoardings, banners and volunteers greeting them at every turn.

“We are setting up four help desks at all the arrival points of Guwahati. There will be four arrival points to the city: ISBT Guwahati, Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati Railway Station and the Kamakhya Railway Station. Our volunteers will be stationed at all these four points,” informed sources from the state’s sports department.

“We will disclose the numbers shortly, but since most of the contingents (athletes and support staff) are travelling by train, our maximum load will be at the railway station, mainly Guwahati station. Very few will be arriving at Kamakhya station. Considering the fact that very few will reach by bus at the ISBT, we will deploy a few volunteers there for smooth functioning,” the source added.

The Khelo India University Games will witness participation of close to 3,500 athletes, and accordingly many of the athletes, who have their events in the neighbouring states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram are also expected to first travel to Assam before proceeding to their respective destinations.

“Considering the fact that airports in Itanagar and Aizawl are far, the athletes will have their transit points in Guwahati, and the ones having their events in Sikkim are expected to travel to New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri or Bagdogra Airport,” an official commented.

For smooth conduct of the event, close to 900 volunteers will be deployed during the entire duration of the Games that run till February 29. Out of these, around 40 volunteers have been assigned their roles at the various arrival points.

“As far as the travel points are concerned, we will have 40 volunteers stationed at the various arrival points, and the number will be variable depending on the mode of transport. For example, as most of the participants will be travelling by train, we will have close to 30 aligned against the two stations, and the rest will be at airport and ISBT,” the sports department informed.

There will be a standardised food menu for athletes that will be made available across the venues and their places of accommodation. The menu has been approved by nutritionists from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and is a fusion of cuisines, catering to the diverse regions from where the athletes assemble at the Gateway to the Northeast.

What to expect from Khelo India University Games 2023 in Guwahati

This is fourth edition of University games

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