Khelo India Youth Games 2022: Water Sports to debut

Events like Kayaking, Rowing and Canoeing will be hosted for the first time in the tournament in the city of lakes.

India, renowned for its youth power, is eagerly preparing to commemorate its 74th Republic Day. Some of those young, particularly that of the athletic kind are also excited as they are gearing up to showcase their talent across eight cities of Madhya Pradesh starting January 30th, 2023. The upcoming edition of the Khelo India Youth Games 2022 Madhya Pradesh, (KIYG2022MP) is therefore sure to be unlike any other. It promises to be an event packed with unique experiences for everyone involved. For the first time in the Khelo India movement, twenty-seven sporting disciplines have been included and also making its debut in the Games will be Water Sports.

The capital city Bhopal and Maheshwar (Khargone) will be playing host to sports like Canoeing, Kayaking and Rowing, which will be held at the MP Water Sports Academy in the state capital. Water Slalom on the other hand will be taking place at Khargone, Maheshwar.

Talking about the inclusion of water sports in the Khelo India Youth Games,  Hon. Sports and Youth Welfare Minister, Madhya Pradesh, Smt.Yashodhara Raje Scindia said, “We all know that Bhopal is known as the city of lakes. Madhya Pradesh is emerging as the sports hub of India under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri. Shivraj Singh Chouhan ji. We have excellent infrastructure. We have two lakes in Bhopal. These are great spots for Canoeing and Kayaking. We have the best training facilities, international coaches, and above all, we are hosting Khelo India, so it is a matter of pride for us.”

She further added, “We have worked for years towards the development of water sports in the state and that’s why we and our athletes are looking forward to the water sports events and are confident of a good show. Our athletes from the MP Water sports academy have earned international laurels and we are the leading junior team in the country in kayaking, canoeing and rowing.”

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, as the Chief Minister of the host state, has dedicated himself to overseeing & regulating the readying of the Games. Recently, he expressed that organizing these games in Madhya Pradesh will promote sports culture in the state. State Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Smt. Yashodhara Raje Scindia is also actively involved in making these games successful.

Talking about the cities and the events to be held there- Athletics, Wrestling, Boxing, Shooting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing, Volleyball, Judo, and Swimming will be held in Bhopal, while Indore, having won the title of India's Cleanest City five times in a row, will host other sports like Basketball, Weightlifting, Table Tennis, Kabaddi, Football (boys) and Tennis. Similarly, Badminton, Hockey, Gymnastics, and Kalaripattayu will be organized in Gwalior. Ujjain, the city of Mahakal, will host Mallkhamb and Yogasan. Kho-Kho, Archery, Fencing, and Road Cycling will be organized in Jabalpur, while Thang-ta and Gatka will be held in Mandla. Girls' football will have Balaghat as hosts and as mentioned before, Slalom will be held in Maheshwar. Only Track Cycling will be organized outside the state in New Delhi.