Khelo India University Games 2023, Ashtalakshmi Wrestling began on Friday at Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS) Kohima, Nagaland. Over 240 Athletes are taking part in the games with about 80 officials from the Sport Authority of India, Ministry of Sports and officials from Wrestling Federation of India Adhoc-Committee managing the games.

Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio graced the commencement program as special guest and declared open the games.

Welcoming the athletes and officials to the state, Mr. Rio said the University Games under the Khelo India Scheme of the Government of India has risen to the highest standards with participation from over 200 Universities annually.

He said, the Khelo India Games are organized with the objective to create aspirational values amongst budding players in the country.
Chief Minister Rio expressed gratitude to the Central Government under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving Nagaland the opportunity to be a co-host for the 4th Edition of the Khelo India University Games and that too in the discipline of Wrestling.

Mr. Rio hoped that holding of the Khelo India University Games Wrestling in the State will be a step towards promotion of the game in the state.