GUWAHATI, Dec 19 - Despite ongoing protests against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) across the State, the third edition of the Khelo India Youth Games will be held as per schedule here.
The Chef de Mission of all the participating states have already arrived in Guwahati for a pre-tournament meeting.
�We have more than 100 per cent support, guidance and cooperation from the State government to host the Khelo India Youth Games. Be it finance or manpower deployment, the Chief Minister has always cooperated with us. The Government of India is also supporting us and since both, the Government of India and State government are on the same page, it is our duty to host the games in the best possible manner,� said Avinash Joshi, CEO Khelo India Youth Games.
The Games are scheduled to be held in Guwahati from January 10 to 22 next year. The athletes will compete in a total of 20 sports including new additions � lawn bowls and cycling. Over 10,000 athletes, officials and support staff will feature across eight venues during the tournament.
�The preparation will be completed within a week�s time and after December 25, the venues will be handed over to the Games Technical Conduct Committee to conduct the Games. We have more than 100 per cent support, guidance and cooperation from the State government to host the games,� Joshi said.
The opening ceremony will take place on January 10 at Sarusajai Stadium. Though the organisers are tight-lipped on the names of the stars, Joshi hinted that some of the big names of the sports and music are likely to be present during the gala opening ceremony.
The teams will start arriving from January 7.
Joshi further said that as a host, Assam will get entries in all disciplines. There will be live coverage of some disciplines on the Star Sports.