The KIUG, which was officially launched today, is due to take place at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) from February 22 to March 1.

As reported by InsideSport, the proposal to stage the KIUG in Odisha was given to State Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik by the Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju in November last year.

The event is expected to attract approximately 4,000 athletes from around 80 to 100 universities and will feature 17 sport disciplines - archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, fencing, football, hockey, judo, kabaddi, rugby, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling.

It is being organised by the Government of Odisha in association with the Sports Authority of India, Association of Indian Universities, National Sports Federations, the Indian Olympic Association and participating universities.

Asked about his expectations, Behera told Sportstar: "Sports and tournaments are fun, and provide opportunities to develop sporting skills and relationships with others.

"It is an event of massive scale involving youth and we expect a seamless and successful execution. 

"We are confident that participants will demonstrate the highest level of sportsmanship and return to their states as ambassadors for KIUG and Odisha. 

"We also feel the athletes who shine here will get a chance to elevate their careers to the next level through recognition, and thereby better access to guidance and training.

"It will be a matter of pride for us to host them all and become a part of their sporting journeys."

According to InsideSport, KIUG participants have been chosen from zonal and inter-zonal tournaments which took place in November. 

The event is part of the Khelo India programme, a Government of India initiative that aims to strengthen the sports ecosystem by encouraging mass participation and promotion of excellence.

With regard to what athletes can expect in terms of venues and facilities in Odisha, Behera added: "KIIT has developed a sports environment that matches international standards and gives a truly global experience to athletes; all of which is provided to them on the campus.

"Sports activity in KIIT is facilitated by KIIT Stadium, 12 sports complexes with state-of-the-art swimming pools, outdoor courts, multi-purpose halls and indoor stadiums distributed in different campuses. 

"Sprawling over an area of 29 acres, KIIT Stadium has the capacity to hold day and night matches, and is a regular venue for Ranji Trophy [cricket] matches.

"Athletes will have access to all ultra-modern sports facilities and training, on par with any national level sports hostel or sports training centre, at the deemed university.

"Besides sporting facilities, they will have access to hostel, transport and medical facilities alongside campus security and gymnasium.

"Athletes, post their Games, will have a chance to explore the cultural heritage of Odisha and the picturesque tourist destinations it has to offer. 

"Arrangements will be made for their sightseeing."

Among those in attendance at today's launch was India's Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, who revealed the schedule for the 2020 KIUG.