Khelo India School Games enjoys over 100 million viewers in first edition

Haryana emerged victorious
Haryana emerged victorious

What's the story?

The Khelo India School Games, produced by Star Sports, was one of the first of its kind to be started in the country and few would have expected the idea to take off like it has. Now, it is being reported that the debut edition of the Khelo India School Games has ended with a whopping viewership of 102 million viewers via television.

The initiative was fueled by the need to start from the grassroots level and Sports Minister of India, Rajyavardhan Rathore was understandably satisfied with the beginning.

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, said, “I am delighted with the kind of response Khelo India School Games has evoked from sports fans all over India. The quality broadcast and the viewership that we have garnered for the inaugural edition is a proof to the kind of potential that we see in sports to shape India’s future champions."

In case you didn't know...

The Khelo India School Games witnessed the best young talents from across the country fight it out on a national, televised front with Haryana emerging victorious in the end.

The heart of the matter

The success of the Khelo India School Games venture was in part due to the continued support of broadcasters and the Sports Minister ensured that they are thanked for their efforts.

"The broadcaster is working hand-in-hand with the team to help us realise the dream of India becoming a global sporting powerhouse. The athletes have tremendous potential and are already behaving like true champions whilst celebrating their triumphs on television. With this support, encouragement and partnership, I am confident that in about four-five years, these KISG athletes will be world-class," the former Olympian added.

Sanjay Gupta, MD, Star India said, “It is an honour for us to produce Khelo India School Games and reach out to millions via world-class broadcast that inspires parents and teachers to encourage their kids to emulate the feats of future sporting stars. I believe with the inaugural edition of KISG, we have traversed a large part of that journey.

"The spectacular viewership we have received for KISG is a testament to the support and intent that India has shown towards embracing sports. The tremendous response we have received for the inaugural edition of the tournament has further motivated us to realize a vision of making 30 crore children actively participate in sporting activities for an hour, every day."

Earlier in January, Star Sports, launched an exclusive film for KISG - Kheloge, kudoge, toh banoge lajawab, which is a call for youngsters to pursue sports alongside education followed by the launch of the Khelo India Anthem, a spirited composition which resonated with the vision of the programme, of nurturing a rich sporting culture in the country. The anthem was followed by the launch of the Khelo India Pledge, which has been undertaken by more than 1.5 million people in the country so far.

A crew of over 100 specialists spread over multiple arenas covering over 70 events delivered 8 hours of live coverage each day across 3 channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1HD, Star Sports First as well as Hotstar. The highlights of the games were aired across Star India’s bouquet of channels in Asia Pacific, UK & continental Europe as well as the Middle-East to drive international exposure and recognition for India's future sporting stars.

What's next?

The first edition of the Khelo India School Games was clearly a successful one and the Sports Ministry will be looking forward to the idea of organising more in the future.

Author's take

The Khelo India initiative has got off to the ideal start and it is just a matter of time before we see the stars of tomorrow take the stage via such necessary ventures by the Government.

Edited by Sagnik Kundu