Maharashtra emerged champion with a whooping 256 medals in the 3rd edition of Khelo India Youth Games to retain its supremacy for the second straight time. Haryana finished second with 200 medals and Delhi finished at the 3rd position with 122 medals.
The celebration of sports for the nation’s youth- Khelo India Youth Games– came to a glorious end amidst Assam’s rich cultutal heritage and an improved performance from last year by Maharashtra. The contingent finished with 78 gold, 77 silver and 101 bronze to be crowned champion.
Haryana came second with 68 gold, 60 silver,72 bronze, followed by Delhi at third with 39 gold, 36 silver, 47 bronze. The first three positions remained same like last year’s edition, only the medal tally varied. While Maharashtra and Haryana took their medal tally from 227 to 256 and 178 to 200 respectively, Delhi faltered a little to finish with 122 medals from their earlier tally of 136 medals at Khelo India.
Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, overwhelmingly responded to the success of the Games. He said, “I congratulate all the athletes for their enthusiastic participation in Khelo India in Guwahati. Congratulations to Maharashtra for winning the champions trophy two years in a row. I am confident that from among this year’s winners will emerge our future champions who will represent India at international events and even at the Olympics, in the 2024 and 2028 Olympics.”
ASSAM – THE PERFECT HOST FOR KHELO INDIA YOUTH GAMES 2020
With the motive of Khelo India Khelo, Assam played the perfect host for the Games. The state that is reeling heavily under the present political scenario of India, was all about Khelo India for sometime. Assam did not show a single sign of stumble or fall. The Assam government provided the best facilities for the athletes so that they can have a world-class experience at the start of their sporting journey.
Sarbananda Sonowal, the Chief Minister of Assam proudly announced, “Over the past 13 days the city was on song, witnessing some scintillating sports action. There was a feeling of competitive spirit and sportsmanship amongst all contestants.”
The home state had much to cheer about at Khelo India as they rose from 22nd position in 2019 to 7th position this year. They accumulated a total of 76 medals with 20 gold, 22 silver and 34 bronze.
STARS SHINE AT KHELO INDIA YOUTH GAMES 2020
SRIHARI NATARAJ & LIKITH SP
Budding Karnataka swimmer Srihari Nataraj was the man of the Games having won eight medals in the pool. At last year’s Games, Nataraj had won six gold medals. He now wants to concentrate on his board examination and then will prepare for the World Championship. Likith, on the other hand, finished with six medals. Being friends for a long time, both Nataraj and Likith aim to achieve success in the World Championship and finally at the Olympics.
SHIVANGI SHARMA
17-year-old Shivangi Sarma from Assam also came to the limelight as she won four gold medals at the Khelo India Games. Shivangi has shifted to Delhi for better practice facility and coaching. She considers these medals just as a start and wants to represent India at international competitions.
ASMI BADADE
Maharastra’s Asmi Badade became the darling of the crowd as she won four gold and one silver medal in Gymnastics. 14-year old Badade showcased some beautiful and flawless moves to enthral the judges.
TOP TEN STATES OF KHELO INDIA YOUTH GAMES 2020
| RANK | STATE | GOLD | SILVER | BRONZE | TOTAL |
| 1. | Maharashtra | 78 | 77 | 101 | 256 |
| 2. | Haryana | 68 | 60 | 72 | 200 |
| 3. | Delhi | 39 | 36 | 47 | 122 |
| 4. | Karnataka | 32 | 26 | 22 | 80 |
| 5. | Uttar Pradesh | 29 | 28 | 30 | 87 |
| 6. | Tamil Nadu | 22 | 32 | 22 | 76 |
| 7. | Assam | 20 | 22 | 34 | 76 |
| 8. | West Bengal | 19 | 14 | 20 | 53 |
| 9. | Gujarat | 16 | 16 | 20 | 52 |
| 10. | Punjab | 16 | 15 | 28 | 59 |
