Mumbai, May : Defending champions Maharashtra have shortlisted a strong contingent of 357 athletes for the Khelo India Youth Games, to be held in Haryana from June 4.
Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), known as Khelo India School Games in its inaugural year, is the annual national-level multi-discipline grassroots games held in the country.
“We have a very strong team and we are confident of retaining the title,” Arun Patil, the official at the Directorate of Sports And Youth Affairs Maharashtra, said while announcing the team, here on Friday.
The champions garnered 256 medals overall, which included 78 gold medals, in the last edition in Guwahati.
“Our athletes, shooters and swimmers are our big medal hopes. We also have the best Mallakhamb squad,” Patil revealed.
“This is the largest contingent ever in one age group as it is only the under-18 age group. We have picked the best and I am sure we will retain the title for the third time on the trot,” Patil, who will accompany the team as the manager, said.
Maharashtra’s football and hockey teams failed to make the cut.
In this edition, the Union Sports Ministry has approved the inclusion of four indigenous sports, in addition to Yogasana. They are Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Thang-Ta, and Mallakhamba. These events will preserve, promote, and celebrate our indigenous sports.
Gatka is from Punjab, Kalaripayattu from Kerala, Thang-Ta from Manipur, and Mallakhamba from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It will not only elevate the enthusiasm of the athletes but also inform the youth of the country.
