India’s very own Yogasana was introduced as a competitive sport in the Khelo India University Games 2021. Simultaneously, Karate was also introduced for the first time in the Games.
Eight teams had participated in the first round of Yogasana where athletes performed five compulsory asanas and four optional asanas. They were judged on the perfection of their final posture and endurance. Five teams have qualified for the final in Khelo India University Games 2021.
Karate also made its debut at the Khelo University Games 2021. Hrithik Banke of Jiwaji University clinched the Men’s Individual Kata gold, thus earning the first gold for his University. Lovely Professional University’s Mesom won gold in Women’s Individual Kata.
The first Track and Field gold of KIUG2021 was won by Arif Ali, a final year BA student at Jananayak Chandrashekhar University, in 10,000m. In the Women’s 10,000m, Mangalore University’s KM Laxmi set a new KIUG record (35:49.23) to win gold.
Dutee Chand won her second consecutive gold in Women’s 100m with a win in 11.68 seconds. After her win Dutee wrote in her social media post, “Excited to win consecutive Gold in 2nd Khelo India University Games at Bangalore after winning it in 1st Khelo India Games at my won KIIT University. Thanks to MYS Govt of India for organizing these Games for the University students and AIU for their support and coordination. I would also like to thank Honble CM Naveen sir for all his support in making me a champion athlete. Thanks to Prof A.Samanta sir for his continuous support and blessings.”