Khelo India Youth Games | Over 4000 athletes to participate in latest edition starting June 4

Four other cities, Ambala (Gymnastics, Swimming), Shahabad (Hockey, Chandigarh (Archery and Football), and New Delhi (Cycling and Shooting), will also play the role of hosts. For the first time, all 36 states and Union Territories are taking part in this edition of the Khelo India Youth Games, with hosts Haryana fielding the largest contingent of 398 athletes.

Defending champions Maharashtra are fielding the second-largest contingent with 357 athletes and third-placed Delhi with 339. Andaman & Nicobar are sending the smallest squad of six, all cyclists, while Ladakh will boast of seven. The glamour discipline of athletics will see the maximum participation with 392 entries in various events. Wrestling, where India’s international prospects are rather bright, will attract 323 grapplers while some of India’s most promising swimmers will be among the field of 251 who hope to make waves in the pool.

Of the traditional Indian team sports, kabaddi and kho-kho will feature 192 participants each. The four new indigenous sports – gatka (227), mallakhamb (218), kalariyapattu (187), and thang ta (140) – have attracted an enthusiastic response from participants along with the more familiar discipline of yogasana (87). The Cricket Stadium in Panchkula will host these events along with kho-kho.