Bangalore, 24th April (UNI) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday declared the Khelo India 2021 University Games open here before the sound and light show mesmerized fans attending the sparkling opening ceremony at the Sree Kanteerava indoor stadium. The breathtaking performances illustrating the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka, Mallakhamba, Yogasana and a captivating sound and light show added to the ceremony. While a series of cultural programs such as dollu kunitha, a traditional folk dance, captivated the audience of 2,500 participants, an energetic dance ensemble for the Khelo India University Games Anthem composed by the icon of pop Chandan Shetty had the audience tapping their feet to the catchy number beat. High octane performances from drummers – Kerala Chande, Nashik Dhols and Punjabi dhols from across the country set the tone for the 10-day sporting event which drew participation from various parts of the country. A new addition to this year’s Games, Mallakhamba, a traditional sport dating back to the 12th century that showcases the skills of young people in an indigenous way, was also presented intricately during the opening ceremony. This was followed by an incredible acrobatic performance by popular young artists Kings United, which left the young audience wanting more. Representing the host Jain University at KIUG 2021, India’s youngest swimmer to reach Olympic standard time Srihari Nataraj was sworn in on behalf of all the athletes after the Games were declared open by Naidu. Sports legends such as Vimal Kumar, Anju Bobby George, Reeth Abraham, Ashwini Nachappa, Malathi Holla, BR Beedu, AB Subbiah, SV Sunil, VR Raghunath were also part of the opening ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Naidu stressed the need to encourage sports activity at the village level and called for the development of the necessary sports infrastructure at the local level, with concerted efforts from the center, the state and local organizations. “Together they will take India’s sporting potential to new heights,” he added. The vice president also called for giving extra grades to sportsmen during university admissions and promotions in various departments. “Incentives like this will go a long way in encouraging sports in the country,” he said. Naidu called for a return to basics and asked all stakeholders to give top priority to indigenous and rural sports. He said he was happy that this edition of Khelo India would feature 20 sports disciplines with indigenous sports like Yogasana and Mallakhamba being introduced for the first time. “It is very important to preserve and promote our rural and indigenous games which are rooted in tradition and part of our cultural heritage,” he said. Sharing his message at the inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Bengaluru symbolizes youth. the country’s enthusiasm and is the pride of professionals. He said it’s significant that a confluence of startups and sports is happening here. “Holding the Khelo India University Games in Bengaluru will add to the energy of this beautiful city,” he said. The Prime Minister hailed the determination of the organizers as staging the Games amid the challenges of the pandemic embodies their determination and passion. This youthful passion gives a new impetus to the New India in all fields, the Prime Minister added. Modi stressed the importance of team spirit as the first mantra for success. “This team spirit we learn from sports. You will experience it directly in the Khelo India University Games. This team spirit also gives us a new way of looking at life,” the Prime Minister said. a holistic approach and 100% dedication are the key conditions for success in sport. The strengths and learnings of sport also advance life. “Sport, in its true sense, is the true support system of life. “, underlined Modi. The Prime Minister also drew similarities between sport and life with regard to various aspects such as passion, challenges, learning from defeat, integrity and the ability to live in “Wearing victory well and learning from defeat is an important art that we learn in sports,” he said. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given impetus and a new dimension to our sports world with its mission of Kh elo India,” Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said in front of nearly 4,000 attendees. of nearly 200 universities, it is the largest multi-disciplinary event held in Karnataka. “I visited the hosts, Jain University, and met over 500 enthusiastic athletes who will be competing. I was also very pleased to see that world-class facilities have been provided for the Games there. , which are truly one of the best in the world,” he said Governor of Karnataka Thaawar Chand Gehlot and other eminent personalities were among those present at the occasion UNI BDN PN