Khelo India inauguration live: I declare the Games open, says PM Modi

CHENNAI: Khelo India Youth Games' sixth edition will have a grand launch on Friday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence alongside Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin.

The games that will begin today will happen till January 31. 6,000 sportspersons would be competing and 1,000 referees besides 1,200 volunteers will be involved.

The event will take place in Chennai, Tiruchy, Madurai and Coimbatore.

PM Modi has started for Chennai from Bengaluru.

PM Narendra Modi has arrived in Chennai for the Khelo India Youth Games inauguration.

Artists display cultural performances to welcome Modi to the city. 

PM Modi leaves for INS Adyar by helicopter.

PM Modi has reached INS Adyar from where he will leave for Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium for the event.

Chief Minister MK Stalin has reached Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium for the Khelo India Youth Games inauguration ceremony.

PM Modi is on his way to the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.

PM Narendra Modi arrives at the event venue to officially launch the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.

PM Modi reaches Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the event.

CM Stalin felicitates PM Modi and Governor RN Ravi gets felicitated by Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin after singing the National Anthem and Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu.

Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin addressed the gathering and calls the event as "a dream come true" moment. He listed out the State's achievements in the field of sports and achievers in sports.

Cultural events give a colourful kick-off to the Khelo India Youth Games inauguration ceremony.

Anurag Thakur: Khelo India Youth Games is an initiative begun to nurture sporting culture from the grassroots. Tamil Nadu has successfully hosted several sporting events such as Chess Olympiad and Asian Hockey Champions Trophy events. Khelo India Youth Games laid the foundation stone to Indian athletes winning over 100 medals in Asian Games and Para Games. When we think of we used to think of Vishwanathan Anand, now 18-year-old Praggnandhaa is a global youth icon.

MK Stalin: All for all is our motto. Dravidian Model government has ensured that there is equality of opportunities in the field of sports. We have invited athletes from Manipur who have suffered conflict to train and participate in our Khelo India Youth Games. Tamil's sport Silambattam has been added in this edition of the games as a demo sport.

PM Modi has lit the Khelo India Youth Games torch. He earlier unveiled 'DD Tamil' logo besides laying foundation stone for launching 26 radio stations in 12 states.

Narendra Modi: Sports lovers across the nation have come together displaying the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. Tamil people are warm and their culture and cuisine will make you feel at home. This a great opportunity for athletes from every strata of the society to display their talent. Tamil Nadu is a land that creates champions. I am happy that Silambam has been added to the Games and for having Velu Nachiyar as the mascot. I wish all the athletes all the best.