Over 4,500 students from around 190 universities across India will compete in the second edition of Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2021, a 10-day sporting event which will be hosted by Jain (Deemed-to-be University) in Bengaluru from April 24 to May 3, the university said in a statement.
Vice-president Venkaiah Naidu has confirmed his presence at the inaugural function. The Karnataka government has also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inaugural ceremony.
The sporting events will be held at Sree Kanteerava Indoor and Outdoor Stadium, Jain Global Campus, Jain Sports School, SAI Shooting Range and KM Carriappa Hockey Stadium, it added.
The Jain Global Campus and Jain Sports School will host 16 of the 20 sports events held at the KIUG 2021. The events include wrestling, judo, kabaddi, volleyball, swimming, malakhamba, yogasana, fencing, karate, boxing, football, etc.
Meanwhile, tennis, badminton, and table tennis will be played at the Jain Sports School. The remaining sports – athletics, basketball, hockey, and shooting – will be played at Shree Kanteerava Stadium, Field Marshal KM Cariappa Stadium and Sports Authority of India Stadium.
The hostels at the Jain Global Campus are all set to accommodate athletes from different universities. Seamless conduct of KIUG is further ensured by the deployment of top-class security, as well as safety, including social distancing, COVID guidelines and deployment of paramilitary and special forces, Jain (Deemed-to-be University) said in a communique.
Shankar UV, director of sports at Jain (Deemed-to-be University), said, “We are extremely excited and honoured to host the second edition of the Khelo India University Games 2021. Our university has been promoting sports among its students for decades. Several of our students have competed at the highest levels, including Olympic and Paralympic competitions, bringing honour to our country. Among our alumni are notable sports figures.”
“All the necessary arrangements have been made and we are ready to welcome the athletes. The support, guidance and trust of the Central and state governments, sports authorities of India and sports bodies is greatly appreciated," he added.
With an aim to increase environmental awareness, KIUG 2021 is based on the theme of the green games. To reflect the vision of the green game, all disposables will be prohibited, and reusable cutlery and napkins will be used for catering. Additionally, BMTC will provide electric buses and shuttle services between the venues. To ensure the safe, scientific, and effective management of waste at these venues, bins have been installed at various locations to segregate wet, dry, and sanitary waste. The mementos, medals, collaterals, and jerseys to be given to the dignitaries and participants will be made from reusable and recycled materials.