Bengaluru, April 1 : The on Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur launched the official jersey and anthem of the Khelo India versity Games 2021 (KIUG) and Governor of Karnataka, Thaawarchand Gehlot unveild the logo and mascot here at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Friday. The event will be the second edition of KIUG after Odisha hosted the first edition in 2020. It postponed due to the Covid-19 crisis last year. Speaking at the event, Thakur said: “The KIUG is a platform through which we intend to identify talent for the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. This year around 4500 athletes, representing 20 sports from across India will participate in the Games and I am confident that we will be able to find players who will represent India in the upcoming Olympics.” The host state Karnataka declared KIUG a Green games in which everything used in the event outside the field of play will be made of reusable material, moreover electric vehicles will be used for transportation and all waste will be segregated as wet and dry at the source in every venue. “KIUG Bengaluru as Green Games is a gamechanger because not only are you committed to promote sports, you are committed to protect the environment, more so at a time when our PM Narendra Modi ji is steering India towards a leadership role in environmental issues,” Thakur said. In his address to 3000 student comm ty he added: “When it comes to Sports, Education and Environment the youth is the biggest stakeholder. Being the present and future of the country, you have an important role to play in these issues.” Minister of Sericulure, Youth Empowerment and Sports, Govt of Karnataka, KC Narayana Gowda, Minister of Higher Education, Govt of Karnataka Dr Ashwathnarayan CN and other dignitaries were also present at the event. A Khelo India App for live updates also launched on the occasion. BAV SHK1943