Maharashtra reaffirmed its dominance in youth sports by clinching its third consecutive Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) title, concluding the 2025 edition in spectacular fashion with an astonishing total of 158 medals. The state secured 58 golds, 47 silvers, and 53 bronzes, asserting its supremacy in the under-18 multi-sport competition that concluded on Thursday.
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, was among the dignitaries present at the vibrant closing ceremony, which celebrated 12 days of high-octane performances across 27 sporting disciplines.
खेलो इंडिया यूथ गेम्स 2025 में महाराष्ट्र का दबदबा! 💥🏆
महाराष्ट्र 158 मेडल के साथ पदक तालिका में शीर्ष स्थान पर कायम। इसमें 58 स्वर्ण, 47 रजत और 53 कांस्य पदक शामिल हैं। #KheloIndia2025 #Maharashtra #MedalTally #KheloIndiaYouthGames #KIYG2025 #KheloIndiaOnDD@IndiaSports… pic.twitter.com/lMdWQ2SkhT
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) May 15, 2025
Maharashtra’s gold medals were spread across 14 sports, with standout performances in athletics (10 golds), swimming (7), gymnastics (7), archery (6), and weightlifting (5). Their consistent performances across track, pool, and gymnasium underlined the breadth of talent within the state’s sporting ecosystem.
Haryana secured second place with 39 gold medals, showcasing its traditional strength in combat and speed events. Wrestlers and boxers led the charge with eight golds each, while fencing contributed seven and athletics added six to the overall tally.
Karnataka finished third with 17 gold medals, edging past Delhi, which secured 16. Tamil Nadu, last year’s host, ended sixth with 15 golds. This year’s host, Bihar, emerged as one of the most improved contingents, leaping to 15th position from 21st in the previous edition. Bihar’s athletes won a total of 36 medals, including seven golds.
Events during KIYG 2025 were held across five cities in Bihar, reflecting the state`s growing infrastructure and readiness to host national-level competitions. Commending the successful organisation, Minister Khadse remarked: “With the grand success of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, Bihar has showcased its capability to host national sporting events with excellence and enthusiasm, setting a new benchmark for the future.”
She further expressed optimism about the Games’ impact, adding: “I am confident that numerous youngsters in Bihar and across India will feel inspired by the efforts of the athletes in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Bihar and will take up some sport or other to contribute to India`s sporting ecosystem.”
A major objective of KIYG remains talent identification for global competitions, especially with India eyeing a bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. At this year’s Games, 186 athletes supported by the Khelo India program were among the 5,071 participants, nearly half of them girls.
Out of the 26 records shattered in the 2025 edition, eight were set by female athletes. Notably, five of these were national youth records in weightlifting, a promising sign for India’s medal hopes in international competitions.
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