Spectacular show marks 3rd Khelo India start-off at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: The third edition of the Khelo India Youth Games got off to a spectacular start at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here today. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Games in the presence of Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijuju.

Close to 6,800 athletes from 37 states and Union Territories will compete in 20 sports disciplines.

The colourful opening ceremony, which saw over more than 400 cast members, kicked off with the march past of the participating teams.

It was international shooter from the state Hriday Hazarika who took oath on behalf of the participating players.Every segment of the inaugural function was carefully planned to showcase India’s unity within its diversity.

A 10-minute programme on Assam, with the presence of beautiful full moon in its full splendour, mesmerized the crowed. Using the mighty Brahmaputra as the backdrop, in the form of waving girls, scores of youngsters danced and blended into various contours and shapes to tell a fascinating tale. Every aspect of Assam and most of its legends were showcased before everybody moulded into the map of the country, to once again highlight the grand idea called One India.

The opening ceremony also gave a glimpse of the 20 sporting disciplines in a unique manner, with a dancing troupe putting up an energetic performance to indicate the many battles over the next few days. The entire playing turf and the stands in the background turned into props, becoming a mesmerizing collage of light and colour.

Bollywood’s popular singer and music composer Shankar Mahadevan then took the stage, entertaining the audience with a number of hits including a number from legendary Bhupen Hazarika.

One of the most important and interesting parts of the inaugural function was the torch relay. The presence of several former and current stars of North East India like Hima Das, Dipa Karmakar, Elvis Ali Hazarika, Hriday Hazarika, Jamuna Boro, Chekrovolu Swuro, Jayanta Talukdar, Kalpana Choudhury, Kushal Lahan and a few others make the event very gorgeous. Athlete Hima Das lighted the symbolic Games Flame.

Although a good mix-up of cultural show and technology make the inaugural programme a spectacular one yet the presence in the gallery was not satisfactory. Many felt that lack of proper communication from the organizers was the reason behind the less number of crowd entries at the stadium.

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