“In the year of Olympics, I hope the National Youth Games acts as a forum to prepare our teams to represent the country in international events in the future,” said the governor after unveiling Chandu, a male deer which symbolises youthful zeal and enthusiasm.

The May 11-18 Games, which is expected to draw 6000 participants, will have competitions in 24 disciplines and will serve as a selection trials for the Commonwealth Youth Games to held in Pune in October.

“The National Youth Games will serve as a celebration of sports, culture and tradition. It is for the first time since the National Games (1997) that we are holding an event of such magnitude.

“I hope the multi-sport event will help prepare the youth of the country for higher levels of competition,” said Amar Kumar Pandey, the DYSS commissioner.

A clutch of former internationals, including Uday Prabhu, Ashwini Nachappa and Nisha Millet attended the function which was followed by a cultural show.

The National Youth Games anthem composed by L Subramanyam was also rendered on the occasion.
The Games will be officially inaugurated on May 11 at the Sree Kanteerava stadium and the events will be held at 17 different venues.

The closing ceremony will be on May 18.