Kiren Rijiju
Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju. Image credit: Twitter

Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said that India is planning to organize BRICS Games 2021 and its schedule may be aligned with Khelo India Games 2021.

“BRICS Games 2021 will be held during the same time and at same venues as of Khelo India Games 2021 so that our players from various parts of the country who will gather for Khelo India Games will have the benefit of witnessing BRICS Games from close quarters,” Rijiju said.

“This will be a great morale booster and motivational moment for them,” he added.

While speaking during the meeting of sports ministers of the BRICS ( Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations on Tuesday, Rijiju stressed on the importance of sports in improving the quality of life among people.

He also spoke of the collaboration between BRICS nations in taking sport forward in the post-COVID-19 era.

“During India’s 2021 Chairmanship of the BRICS, Sports and Games will be one of the deliverables. The government of India organises annual sports competitions under the Khelo India Scheme,” Rijiju said.

“We are hopeful of organizing Khelo India Youth Games and Khelo India University Games in 2021,” he added.

“During Khelo India Youth Games 2021, we will invite BRICS member countries to showcase their traditional indigenous games during the inaugural or closing ceremony of Khelo India, ” Rijiju said.