The Yogi Adityanath government is making large-scale preparations to make the Khelo India University Games (KIUG), which are going to be held for the first time in Uttar Pradesh, a success.
Cooperation is being taken from all the departments of the government while an action plan has been prepared to publicise the event on social media.
The chief minister, who is promoting sports at every level in the state, is eyeing to host National Games through the successful organisation of KIUG. If UP organises these games successfully then the state would also likely get the chance to host the National Games.
It may be mentioned here that Khelo India University Games (KIUG) is a part of Khelo India initiative of the Government of India to promote sports at grassroots level and identify sporting talents across the country. The event is an inter-university meet where athletes representing various universities across the country compete for medals in various sporting events.
As per information received, branded vehicles will be used for the promotion of Khelo India University Games, in which the KIUG-2022 anthem will be played from loudspeakers at all intersections. Branding of these games will also be done through hoardings, placards and loudspeakers, making people aware about KIUG 2022. Besides, big screens will be installed at all major intersections in Lucknow and other districts.
Additional Chief Secretary (Sports) Dr Navneet Sehgal has issued directives for setting up two separate counters during the event, one for coffee-table book and the other for ODOP Expo. Marketing of famous products of other districts, including sports products of the state, will be done through the event.
Efforts will be made to attract the audience through various activities on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube) and also on digital media (print, electronic, radio). For example, quizzes and contests will be organised to engage the public. KIUG Doordarshan will be the official television partner for the Khelo India University Games 2022, while it will also be telecast on OTT platforms to be selected soon. The media team of Sports Authority of India will also collaborate with the local media to promote the sporting event across India.
The organisation of games is being given priority in coordination between various departments of the state government. The departments have been given responsibilities based on their expertise. UP Police has been given the responsibility of security and traffic whereas the UP Power Corporation Limited has been given the charge of making proper arrangement for power supply during the event. The municipal corporation has been given the responsibility of beautifying the venue and its surroundings, while the Tourism department has to do the work of branding the major sites of the state.
UP has hosted several national and international sports competitions in the past. But this is the first time that the state has got the opportunity to host the multi-sports national competition. The event was to be held in 2022, but was postponed to 2023 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The last two editions were hosted by Odisha and Bengaluru respectively. This year, the maximum number of 4,705 athletes from 200 universities are participating in this competition, while an additional sport (rowing) has been included for this edition.