Raipur. Rajasthan is set to host the 5th Khelo India University Games (KIUG 2025) from November 24 to December 5, 2025. The grand 12-day sports event will bring together over 5,000 university athletes from across India, competing in 23 medal sports and one demonstration sport (kho-kho).
The multi-city event will unfold in seven major cities of Rajasthan—Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, and Bharatpur. The Games are being organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on the Importance of KIUG
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that the Khelo India University Games play a vital role in India’s growing sports ecosystem. He said that universities across the world are known for shaping world-class champions, and KIUG provides a similar platform for India’s young athletes to showcase their talent.
“The Rajasthan edition of these Games will highlight India’s vast sports landscape and act as a stepping stone for athletes aiming to represent the nation globally,” Dr. Mandaviya stated.
He added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the Khelo India initiative has built a robust framework for sports participation, talent identification, and excellence. These University Games will not only encourage students to balance academics with athletics but also promote the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ through sportsmanship and unity.
23 Medal Sports and 1 Demonstration Sport Announced
The KIUG 2025 will feature competitions in 23 medal sports and one demonstration sport. The medal sports list includes:
- Archery
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Fencing
- Football
- Hockey
- Judo
- Kabaddi
- Mallakhamb
- Rugby
- Shooting
- Swimming
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
- Yoga
- Cycling (new)
- Beach Volleyball (new)
- Canoeing and Kayaking (new)
Kho-kho will be featured as a demonstration event this year. For the first time, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, and beach volleyball will be part of the University Games, reflecting India’s expanding sports diversity.
Defending Champions and Past Winners
At the previous edition of the Khelo India University Games held in Northeast India, Chandigarh University emerged as the overall champion. Lovely Professional University and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, secured the second and third spots, respectively.
With the inclusion of new sports and venues, the Rajasthan edition promises to be even more competitive and dynamic.
About the Khelo India Initiative
The Khelo India scheme is a flagship Central Sector Program by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, designed to nurture sporting talent and provide young athletes with structured pathways to success.
So far, 20 editions of various Khelo India Games have been successfully organized across India, including:
- 7 editions of Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG)
- 4 editions of Khelo India University Games (KIUG)
- 5 editions of Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG)
- 2 editions of Khelo India Para Games (KIPG)
- 1 edition each of Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) and Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF)
These initiatives together aim to build a sustainable sports culture, strengthen the grassroots-to-championship pipeline, and help India achieve sporting excellence at the international level.
KIUG 2025: A Milestone for Indian University Sports
The Khelo India University Games 2025 in Rajasthan will not only showcase the best of India’s university sports talent but also strengthen the country’s position as a growing sports powerhouse. With more sports, more cities, and more participation, KIUG 2025 is expected to become a landmark event in India’s sporting calendar.
As thousands of student-athletes gather in Rajasthan this November, the spirit of teamwork, determination, and national pride will take center stage — reflecting the true essence of “Khelo India, Jeeto India.”
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