Guwahati is ready to host the grand opening ceremony of the fourth edition of the ‘Khelo India University Games 2023 Ashtalakshmi’ (KIUG 2023). Amplifying the glitz and glamour, musical sensation, Papon, who is originally from Assam, is all set to grace the opening ceremony on Monday at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Sarusajai Sports Complex, promising an unforgettable musical extravaganza for the audience and the participants alike.
Among the other notable people, Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur will be attending the Khelo India University Games alongside Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. In addition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inspiring the athletes through a video message, as per a press release.
Talking about the tournament, it enters its fourth edition this year with around 4,500 athletes from 200 Universities as participants. Assam’s Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Nandita Garlosa said that Papon’s inclusion will add glamour to the opening ceremony extravaganza.
“Papon is a youth icon of India and Guwahati will listen to him live. We have had the greatest of musicians like the legend Bhupen Hazarika but good music does not understand any generation. Both Bhupen Hazarika and Papon are unique in their own ways and not to forget Zubeen Garg,” she said.
The grand opening of the games, will welcome all attendees free of charge, and also feature a thematic showcase highlighting the values of unity, diversity and the spirit of sportsmanship.
Additionally, Assamese Culture will take the centre stage with captivating displays of indigenous arts, adding an extra layer of cultural immersion to the event, the release added.
About KIUG 2023:
The KIUG 2023 is set to showcase 20 sports disciplines over the next two weeks, taking place in 18 venues spread across Guwahati and six other towns in the northeastern region. Guwahati, in particular, will host 16 disciplines, reflecting the Assam government’s commitment to providing top-notch sporting facilities. These events encompass a diverse range, including athletics, rugby, basketball, volleyball, swimming, badminton, hockey, fencing, kabaddi, women’s football, tennis, mallakhamb, judo, and table tennis. Dibrugarh University boasts the largest representation from Assam with six members, while Manipur University leads with 19 athletes from the northeastern region.
KIUG 2023 kicked off with kabaddi matches at Sarusajai Stadium on Saturday, featuring eight teams divided into two pools vying for success.
Meanwhile, the KIUG is part of the Union government’s Khelo India initiative, launched in 2016, which focuses on promoting grassroots sports and identifying young talents nationwide.