New Delhi: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel inaugurated national level competitions under the Khelo India scheme at the S.P. Mukherjee Swimming Pool complex in the Talkatora Stadium here on Sunday.

Besides swimming, various competitions of cycling, wrestling under different categories will be held under this championship till January 21.

More than 1,000 children from 25 states are participating in this event.

The ministry has kept the venues open for public with free entry. hoping to develop the sports culture.

Addressing the young sportspersons during the inaugural ceremony, Goel said, "Our ministry aims towards broad-basing of sports. We are committed to provide the best facilities to our budding young talents across disciplines."

Goel also stated that wrestling has a rich history in India, and the ministry is working with a special focus on it. The Khelo India competition will have wrestling competitions too under different categories.

Read more: Mohammad Azharuddin's nomination for HCA polls rejected, Azhar to approach court

He urged the children to take up one sport and excel in that. Goel had recently pushed for sports as a compulsory subject in schools as part of the curriculum.

To encourage sportspersons and egg them on to the participate, the prize money for this year's Khelo India competition has been increased.

"The idea is to prepare well for future games and equip the budding talents with the best facilities and help them in honing their skills," a release said.

Goel stated that given the amount of talent, a mass movement is needed to make India a super power in sports.

Goel said that parents must encourage their children to play games and it is equally important as studies.