CM Nitish Kumar Lights the Torch at Patliputra Sports Complex, Cultural Extravaganza Wins Hearts
Patna, Bihar – May 5, 2025:
The Khelo India Youth Games 2025 commenced with grandeur and pride at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Kankarbagh, Patna. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial torch, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Bihar’s sports history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a special video message, officially launched the games and praised the energy of youth and the growing sports culture in Bihar.


Cultural Brilliance: Maithili Thakur & Pankaj Tripathi Enthrall the Audience
The opening ceremony was a vibrant showcase of Bihar’s rich cultural heritage. Renowned folk singer Maithili Thakur mesmerized the audience with her soulful performance, while acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi took center stage, narrating Bihar’s glorious history through a unique musical collaboration. The performances brought pride and joy to every spectator present.
Bihar’s Moment of Pride: CM Expresses Gratitude for Hosting the Games
During his address, CM Nitish Kumar expressed immense gratitude for Bihar being chosen as the host state for Khelo India Youth Games 2025. He thanked Prime Minister Modi for the honor and extended a warm welcome to Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, dignitaries, and athletes from across the nation.


Five Districts to Host Games; 367 Athletes Receive Government Jobs
Highlighting the significance of the event, the Chief Minister revealed that the games would be conducted across five key districts: Patna, Gaya, Nalanda (Rajgir), Bhagalpur, and Begusarai. He further shared that 367 athletes in Bihar have already been directly recruited into government jobs under a special initiative to reward sporting excellence.
Bihar’s Sporting Revolution: New Sports Department and World-Class Infrastructure
CM Kumar emphasized the state government’s dedication to transforming Bihar into a sports powerhouse. He spoke about the development of Patliputra Sports Complex, new playgrounds across schools, and the construction of a state-of-the-art Sports Academy and Sports University in Rajgir. He also announced the creation of a dedicated Sports Department in 2024 to support and promote sports development across the state.
Strong Centre-State Collaboration Fuels Bihar’s Growth
Appreciating the continued support from the Central Government, CM Kumar acknowledged key initiatives launched under PM Modi’s leadership. From roads and health to tourism and flood control, he highlighted the Centre’s robust budgetary allocations to Bihar, including the establishment of a Spice Board, Greenfield Airport, Food Processing Institute, and expansion of IIT Patna. He reaffirmed that hosting Khelo India Youth Games is a testament to Bihar’s rising stature in national development.
Dignitaries in Attendance: A Gathering of National Leaders and Sports Icons
The inauguration ceremony saw participation from top dignitaries including Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, and Bihar’s Sports Minister Surendra Mehta. Other esteemed guests included Union Ministers Nikhil Khadse (Youth Affairs), Ramnath Thakur (Agriculture), and Vijay Kumar Chaudhary (Water Resources), along with thousands of athletes, coaches, and officials.
Before the ceremony began, CM Nitish Kumar walked across the stadium, warmly waving to guests and athletes, while Sports Minister Surendra Mehta presented him with a symbolic memento to mark the occasion.
A New Dawn for Sports in Bihar
Khelo India Youth Games 2025 has set the stage for a new era of sports in Bihar, igniting dreams and celebrating talent from every corner of the country. With world-class facilities, cultural pride, and strong leadership, Bihar is not just hosting a tournament—it is scripting a legacy.
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