Chennai/IBNS/UNI: The sixth edition of Khelo India Youth Games-2023 began on a colourful note with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating it on Friday evening by lighting the games torch and stating that it was a great way to start the year 2024.

After the formal welcome address by Tamil Nadu Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, colourful cultural events gave a vibrant start to the 2-week long sporting extravaganza, being organised by the state government for the first time after which PM Modi declared the Khelo India Youth Games-2023 at the end of his speech.

PM Modi lit the Games torch after unveiling 'DD Tamil' logo besides laying the foundation stone for launching 26 radio stations in 12 districts.

Later, he started his address by saying "Vanakkam' (welcome) in Tamil and said Khelo India Games were a great way to start 2024.

"It is a matter of great joy that Khelo India Youth Games are being held in the beautiful city of Chennai. These games will help nurture young sporting talent," he said.

"Khelo India Games is a great way to start 2024 as 140 crore Indians are committed to building a Viksit Bharat," PM Modi said.

Stating that Tamil Nadu has produced numerous sporting champions, he talked about his aim to make India a top sporting nation.

He also said India's sports system is transforming and recalled the superb performances of the sportspersons in Asian games and other games.

Noting that India was setting new benchmarks in every field, PM Modi said: "We endeavour to give international exposure to our young athletes."

In his address, Union Minister for I&B and Sports, Anurag Thakur said Khelo India Youth Games is an initiative launched by the Prime Minister to nurture sporting culture from the grassroots.

Tamil Nadu has successfully hosted several sporting sporting events such as Chess Olympiad and Asian Hockey Champions Trophy events.

Khelo India Youth Games laid the foundation stone for Indian athletes winning over 100 medals in the Asian Games and Para Games.

He said, "When we think of Chess we used to think of Vishwanathan Anand, now 18-year-old Tamil Nadu's Praggnandhaa is a global youth icon".

In his address, Stalin said: "All for all is our motto. The Dravidian Model government has ensured that there is equality of opportunities in the field of sports. We have invited athletes from Manipur who have suffered conflict to train and participate in our Khelo India Youth Games."

Tamil Nadu's traditional and rural sport Silambattam has been added in this edition of the games as a demo sport, he said and recalled various international level events organised successfully by his government including the Asian Champion trophy, Chess Olympiad.

Stalin said the government has been giving full encouragement for sports development and honouring sportspersons for winning laurels in national and international meets.

He also said sports infrastructure facilities are being upgraded to enable sportspersons from the State to win more laurels.

The event concluded with a vibrant cultural and dance show that kept the audience spellbound.