Khelo India Youth Games 2025: Torch of Glory Reaches Darbhanga, Bihar

In a ceremonious and spirited welcome that echoed with slogans and enthusiasm, the Mashaal Gaurav Yatra—the Torch of Glory Tour—arrived in Darbhanga today as part of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025’s statewide awareness campaign.

The torch, a symbolic beacon of sportsmanship and youth potential, was formally handed over to District Magistrate Rajeev Roshan by Additional District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar and District Sports Officer Parimal Kumar, signifying the official commencement of the campaign’s Darbhanga leg. The touring team, which had arrived from Patna, was greeted with traditional hospitality and a sense of pride by the district administration.

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, DM Roshan emphasized the importance of sports in national development and youth empowerment. “This torch is not just fire—it is the flame of awareness, progress, and a call to action for our young athletes,” he said. He highlighted the central and state governments’ joint commitment to promoting sports infrastructure and talent, calling this tour a milestone in Bihar’s sporting history.

Later in the day, the torch was brought to Nehru Stadium’s Polo Ground where over 500 athletes from diverse disciplines, sports associations, and school children gathered to participate in the celebrations. The LED-fitted promotional van accompanying the torch displayed a multimedia presentation on the legacy and vision of the Khelo India Youth Games, engaging the crowd with visuals and commentary.

The air resounded with the slogan “Khel Ke Rang, Bihar Ke Sang” as athletes, coaches, and local sports officials pledged to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. Children enthusiastically took oaths to integrate sports into their daily lives, a step forward in building a more active and disciplined generation.

District Sports Officer Parimal Kumar, addressing the gathering, informed that this is the first time Bihar is hosting the Khelo India Youth Games—a matter of great pride for the state. “To ensure the Games' success, the government is leaving no stone unturned,” he said, detailing the journey of the torch, which began on April 15 and will travel across every district of Bihar, equipped with LED displays and audio-visual outreach to maximize public engagement.

The torch will depart for Saharsa tomorrow morning, continuing its journey till May 2, when it will return to Patna. The grand opening ceremony of the Games is scheduled for May 4 at the Pataliputra Sports Complex, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the event by lighting the ceremonial torch.

Today’s event in Darbhanga saw spirited participation from local sports administrators and veteran players. Among those present were Akalakur Rahman and Amit Kumar Choudhary from the District Kabaddi Association, Ramashankar Choudhary from the Kho-Kho Association, Brijesh Kumar Singh from the Volleyball Association, Sanjeev Kumar from the Wushu Association, and Yashpal Kumar from the District Athletics Association. Active involvement also came from sports office staff and emerging athletes like Satyam Kumar, Keshav Kumar, Sitare Hasan, and Shoaib Khan.

The Mashaal Gaurav Yatra, more than a ceremonial event, stands as a testament to Bihar’s rising ambition to establish itself as a cradle of young sporting talent—a vision now carried forward, torch in hand, by every district it touches.