Commonwealth youth games 2008 - Pune

The spectacular sporting bonanza is about to unfold in the cultural capital of Maharashtra. Pune is the proud host of the Commonwealth Youth Games 2008. An independent multi sports event, the Youth Games are a run up and a trial event to the Commonwealth Games 2010 to be held in Delhi.

Pune is renowned for hosting several world class events, including India’s oldest Marathon. World class sports facilities, modern infrastructure, excellent connectivity by multiple means of transport and a rich cultural heritage coupled with salubrious climate, indeed vouch for Pune’s candidature as the host city for the III Commonwealth Youth Games 2008.

It is for the FIRST time, that the Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in Asia – in 2008.

The Inaugural Commonwealth Youth Games were held in Edinburgh, Scotland from 10th to 14th August 2000.

The II Commonwealth Youth Games were held in Bendigo, Australia from 30th November to 3rd December 2004.

The III Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in Pune from the 12th to 18th October 2008. Over 1,300 athletes and 350 officials from 71 countries will participate in these games, in 9 disciplines -Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling are included in the Commonwealth Youth Games 2008.

Apart from the athletes, team officials and Games technical Conduct Officials, there will be representatives from the National and International Federations alongwith the representatives of Print and Electronic media.

The Commonwealth Youth Games are an extremely significant event for India as they will form the back-bone for her quest for maximum Medals in the Delhi 2010 Games. The Youth Games will also serve to identify India’s medal winning potential athletes for the Asian Games 2014 and the Olympic Games 2016.

The most unique feature of these games is their venue, Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex. The venue of the III Commonwealth Youth Games Pune 2008 i.e. Shiv Chhatrapati Sports City, Balewadi, is unique as it is for the first time that the competition venues of all disciplines and the athletes’ village will be housed in a single sports complex. Located on 153 acres of land, on the outskirts of Pune, it is all set to host the international competitive multi-sporting event.

Be a part of the excitement as the city gears up for the Commonwealth Youth Games 2008.