By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| The vibrant state of Rajasthan is gearing up to host the 5th edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) from November 24 to December 5, 2025, across seven iconic cities — Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, and Bharatpur. The much-awaited sporting event will bring together over 5,000 athletes from universities across India, competing in 23 medal sports and one demonstration sport (Kho-Kho).

Announcing the dates, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, described KIUG as “the first step towards glory.” He said, “Khelo India University Games are a vital link in India’s sporting journey. Across the world, universities play a major role in shaping champions, and KIUG provides our young athletes a national platform to display their potential. The Rajasthan edition will highlight India’s expanding sporting landscape and serve as the first step for those aspiring to represent the nation globally.”

Dr. Mandaviya added, “Under the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Khelo India initiative has built a strong ecosystem that encourages participation, talent development, and excellence. These University Games in Rajasthan will inspire thousands of students to pursue sports alongside academics, while strengthening the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ through competition and camaraderie.”

New Additions and Sporting Diversity

For the first time, Beach Volleyball, Canoeing and Kayaking, and Cycling have been included as medal sports, alongside Kho-Kho, which will be featured as a demonstration event. The inclusion of these sports not only adds diversity to the competition but also reflects India’s growing engagement with non-traditional sporting disciplines.

The medal sports lineup includes Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Fencing, Football, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Mallakhamb, Rugby, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Yogasana, and the newly added Cycling, Beach Volleyball, Canoeing, and Kayaking.

Building Champions, Strengthening Unity

Organized in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), the KIUG has become a cornerstone in India’s sports development framework. It provides young talent with a platform to showcase their skills and transition into professional sporting arenas.

The previous edition of KIUG, held in the North East, witnessed Chandigarh University emerging as the overall champion, while Lovely Professional University and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, secured the second and third positions respectively.

About the Khelo India Initiative

The Khelo India Scheme, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is the flagship national programme designed to identify and nurture sporting talent from the grassroots to the global level. The Games serve as a foundation for spotting and grooming young athletes across the country. So far, 20 editions have been organized — including 7 Khelo India Youth Games, 4 University Games, 5 Winter Games, 2 Para Games, 1 Beach Games, and 1 Water Sports Festival.

As the desert state transforms into a dynamic arena of competition and unity, Khelo India University Games 2025 promises to celebrate India’s youthful energy, diversity, and ambition — truly embodying the spirit of “One India, Great India.”