The Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 are set to introduce Esports as a demonstration sport, marking a significant milestone in the integration of digital sports into India’s mainstream athletic competitions. Scheduled from May 4 to 15, the seventh edition of KIYG will be hosted across five cities in Bihar, Patna, Rajgir (Nalanda), Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai, with additional events in New Delhi for disciplines such as shooting, gymnastics, and track cycling.
The inclusion of Esports brings the total number of sports at KIYG 2025 to 28, comprising 27 competitive events and Esports as the sole demonstration sport. The competitive sports lineup features athletics, archery, badminton, basketball, boxing, cycling, fencing, football, gatka, gymnastics, hockey, judo, kabaddi, kalarippayattu, kho-kho, mallakhamb, shooting, swimming, sepak takraw, table tennis, tennis, thang-ta, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, yogasana, and rugby.
Esports’ journey in major multi-sport events has been noteworthy. It debuted as a demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang and was later elevated to a medal event in the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, featuring seven titles competing for medals.
Also Read: India’s Esports Olympic Dream: Ready or Not?
The decision to feature Esports at KIYG 2025 reflects the growing recognition of digital sports and their potential to engage the youth demographic. By integrating Esports into the Khelo India framework, the initiative aims to foster a more inclusive sporting environment that resonates with contemporary interests and technological advancements.
Preparations for the games are in full swing. Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Sports and General Administration, Dr. B. Rajendra, have been actively reviewing the development of sports infrastructure in the host cities. Emphasis has been placed on ensuring that all venues meet national competition standards, with a focus on timely completion and quality.
KIYG 2025 is expected to witness participation from over 10,000 individuals, including athletes, support staff, technical officials, competition managers, and volunteers. This large-scale involvement underscores the event’s significance in nurturing young talent and promoting a robust sports culture across the nation.
As Bihar gears up to host both the Khelo India Youth Games and the subsequent Khelo India Para Games, the state’s commitment to promoting sports and providing platforms for athletes to excel is evident. The successful hosting of these events is anticipated to bolster Bihar’s reputation as a hub for national sporting events and contribute to the broader vision of establishing India as a global sporting powerhouse.