PM to open Games, launch key projects on May 4: Min
Patna: Health Minister and senior BJP functionary
on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will visit Bihar on May 4 to inaugurate the
Khelo India Youth Games
at Patna's
Patliputra Sports Complex
, may also launch several development projects during his visit.
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"Though the details of the PM's visit are awaited, he is likely to lay the foundation for and inaugurate a few other schemes," Pandey said.
A senior BJP leader said Modi could make another visit to Bihar on May 30. "The venue is not decided yet, but is likely to be finalised after his May 4 programme in Patna," he said. The second event is expected to be held either in the Shahabad region bordering Uttar Pradesh or in Aurangabad, areas where the BJP is working to consolidate its support.
The decision to have the PM inaugurate the Games follows a public request by CM Nitish Kumar during the National Panchayati Raj Day function in Madhubani district on April 24. Bihar will host the Khelo India Youth Games for the first time from May 4 to May 15.
Deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary said around 10,000 athletes and technical staff from across the country would take part in 28 disciplines in Patna, Gaya, Rajgir, Begusarai and Bhagalpur.
Shooting, gymnastics and track cycling events will be held in Delhi. "A central command and control centre has been set up at Patliputra Sports Complex, which will serve as the operational hub for the Games," he said.
To mark the occasion, organisers are also preparing two cultural showcases aimed at setting Guinness World Records. Ravindran Shankaran, director general of Bihar State Sports Authority, said, "Two Guinness World Records will be made during the event as PM Modi will unveil the world's largest Madhubani painting, currently being prepared by 100 women artists."
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Shankaran added that 400 child lamas (Buddhist monks) would perform a singing bowl recital, aiming to surpass the existing record of 100 participants. "The painting is to be presented to the PM at the inauguration," he said, adding that the Guinness World Records team would be present at the Patliputra Sports Complex to officially certify both attempts.
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