1. Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the 4th Khelo India University Games (KIUG-Asthalaxmi) wrestling event in Kohima.
2. The event includes freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling for men, as well as freestyle wrestling for women.
3. Around 100 universities from eight zones nationwide have sent participants to compete in the event.
Kohima, Feb 24: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio presided over the inauguration of the 4th Khelo India University Games (KIUG-Asthalaxmi) wrestling event at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima on Friday.
The KIUG-Asthalaxmi wrestling event encompasses freestyle and Greco-Roman styles for men and freestyle for women, drawing participants from approximately 100 universities representing eight zones across the country.
In his address, Rio underscored the evolution of KIUG since its inception in Odisha in 2020, following the success of the Khelo India School Games and Khelo India Youth Games, facilitated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
He emphasized the significant rise in standards witnessed in the university games, with annual participation from over 200 universities.
Rio highlighted the objectives of KIUG, which include instilling aspirational values among emerging athletes, ensuring technical conduct at par with international standards, providing a platform for talent identification, fostering long-term athlete development, reducing dropouts, and promoting a sporting culture.
Happy to be at the Commencement Ceremony of @kheloindia University Games (Ashtalakshmi) Wrestling. I warmly welcome our guests to Nagaland. The Univ. Games under the Khelo India Scheme has risen to the highest standards with 200 universities participating annually. pic.twitter.com/KQxoOKFM8W
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) February 23, 2024
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Moreover, KIUG aims to establish a robust interconnection between education and sports, nurturing a conducive environment for producing champions.
It also seeks to enhance sports infrastructure, bolster the sports ecosystem within universities, and contribute to the overall development of athletes.
Expressing gratitude to the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rio lauded the opportunity provided to Nagaland to host the 4th edition of KIUG, particularly in the discipline of wrestling, which resonates deeply with the people of the state.
The wrestling competition, hosting around 240 athletes and over 80 officials, is slated to conclude on Sunday.
