Udhayanidhi takes stock of final touches being given to Khelo India Youth Games preparation

CHENNAI: Udhayanidhi Stalin chaired a high-power meeting at the Secretariat on Monday to take stock of the final preparations being done for the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 Tamil Nadu.

This is the first time that the Khelo India Youth Games are being held in South India and will be played across four cities – Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore – from January 19-31, 2024.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Atulya Misra, IAS., Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Welfare and Sports Development, J Meghanatha Reddy, IAS., Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu and other senior officials of the department were also present.

With just 11 days left for the inauguration of the Games, the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) has pressed all its resources into action to ensure that the Games are an absolute success.

All the stadiums are being refurbished and a new state-of-the-art blue athletics turf is being laid at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium to give the players and spectators a world-class experience during the Games, which will witness over 5500 athletes, under the age of 18, from 36 states and Union Territories vying for top honours.

Squash will make its debut at the Youth Games while Tamil Nadu’s traditional sport Silambam will be a demo sport.

The Tamil Nadu government has also planned various activities to spread the message and spirit of the Games across the state.

Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday flagged off the specially designed Khelo India Youth Games Canter caravan from the Marina Beach Light House.

The five specially designed Canters with the ceremonial torch (Thamizh) started from Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore on Monday and will visit all 38 districts before reaching the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium ahead of the opening ceremony.

“In the past, we had successfully conducted the 44th Chess Olympiad and our efforts were appreciated across the world. Similarly, we are making all arrangements to successfully conduct the Khelo India Youth Games as per the instructions of the Hon'ble Chief Minister,” Udhayanidhi Stalin said.

SDAT will also be holding various activities including mini marathons, bike rallies and drawing competitions at prominent locations and schools in these districts to create greater awareness around the Games.