In a landmark move, Sepak Takraw has been included at Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025. The sport makes its debut at the Games after Indian men’s regu team won the 2025 World Cup by beating Japan.
India has also won two consecutive medals in the past two editions of the Asian Games (2018 and 2022).
The seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games is being held in Bihar and the state government has made tremendous efforts to include Sepak Takraw for the first time at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025.
Karunesh Kumar, former India international and competition manager for KIYG Bihar 2025, described the inclusion of the sport as a “milestone moment” for athletes and emphasized its long-term significance.
“The introduction of Sepak Takraw as a medal sport in the seventh edition of KIYG is vital for the relevance of the sport. It is a milestone moment for the sport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting sports in India has been instrumental in shaping Khelo India Games, and now it is is a brand of its own. Being associated with the brand will further enhance the popularity of the sport in India.
“We already have our presence in National Games, University Games, and now this tag will further boost the sport’s popularity,” he pointed out.
The sport has traditionally been played in the Northeastern states of India. However, Sepak Takraw grew into prominence in Bihar ever since it has been recognised as one of the 14 priority sports in the state.
Also Read: Khelo India Youth Games 2025: Hosts, Dates; All You Need To Know
Khelo India Youth Games 2025: Schedule
| Sport | Dates | Venue | City |
| Archery | May 4-7 | Sandy’s Compound Complex | Bhagalpur |
| Kabaddi | May 4-7 | Indoor Hall, Rajgir Sports Complex- Hall 2 | Rajgir |
| Volleyball | May 4-8 | Indoor Hall, Patliputra Sports Complex | Patna |
| Gatka | May 5-7 | Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya-Open Ground -2 | Gaya |
| Judo | May 5-8 | Gyan Bhawan | Patna |
| Mallakhamb | May 5-8 | Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya-Open Ground-1 | Gaya |
| Swimming | May 5-9 | Swimming Pool, Bihar Institute of Public Administration & Rural Development | Gaya |
| Kho Kho | May 5-9 | Bihar Institute of Public Administration & Rural Development-Open Ground | Gaya |
| Sepaktakraw | May 5-10 | BSAP 5 Indoor Stadium | Patna |
| Shooting | May 5-10 | Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range | New Delhi |
| Football | May 5-14 | Yamuna Bhagat Stadium | Begusarai |
| Football | May 5-14 | IOCL Barauni | Begusarai |
| Cycling | May 6-8 | Velodrome, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex | New Delhi |
| Rugby | May 6-9 | Athletics Ground, Patliputra Sports Complex | Patna |
| Table Tennis | May 6-10 | Indoor Hall, Rajgir Sports Complex -Hall 1 | Rajgir |
| Hockey | May 7-13 | Hockey Stadium, Rajgir Sports Complex | Rajgir |
| Badminton | May 10-13 | Sandy’s Compound Complex | Bhagalpur |
| Boxing | May 10-14 | Sports Complex (Railways) | Patna |
| Tennis | May 10-14 | IAS Bhawan | Patna |
| Weightlifting | May 10-14 | Indoor Hall, Rajgir Sports Complex -Hall 4 | Rajgir |
| Gymnastics | May 10-14 | Gymnastics Hall, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex | New Delhi |
| Basketball | May 10-15 | Indoor Hall, Patliputra Sports Complex | Patna |
| Kalaripayattu | May 11-13 | Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya-Open Ground-1 | Gaya |
| Yogasana | May 11-14 | Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya-Open Ground -2 | Gaya |
| Wrestling | May 11-15 | Gyan Bhawan | Patna |
| Fencing | May 11-15 | Indoor Hall, Rajgir Sports Complex- Hall 2 | Rajgir |
| Thang-Ta | May 12-14 | Bihar Institute of Public Administration & Rural Development-Open Ground | Gaya |
| Athletics | May 12-14 | Athletics Ground, Patliputra Sports Complex | Patna |
| Cycling | May 13-14 | Marine Drive | Patna |
