37th National Games Kick Off: PM Modi Hails India’s Sporting Talent, Celebrates 100 Asian Games Medals
Certainly! The 37th season of the National Games in India began on October 25th. The opening ceremony of the National Games took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on October 26th. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the stadium at around 6:45 PM.
During the ceremony, the captain of the Indian national hockey team, Harmanpreet Singh, presented the Games’ torch to Prime Minister Modi. Modi lit the torch on the stage and addressed the audience. He emphasized that India is reaching new heights in sports and highlighted the achievements of Indian athletes at the Asian Games.
He said that the National Games were happening at a time when India was touching new heights of success in sports. He pointed out that Indian athletes had won more than 100 medals, breaking numerous records at the Asian Games, something that hadn’t happened in 70 years.
Modi encouraged the young athletes, stating that the National Games provided them with a strong platform. He urged them to set new records and assured them of his support and best wishes.
The Prime Minister praised the talent and dedication of Indian athletes, highlighting that India had produced champions in various sports. He also mentioned his sister, P.T. Usha, who was present at the event, and how her achievements had inspired him to work towards removing hurdles in international events.
Prime Minister Modi arrived at the stadium in a chariot, met with the participants, and donned a special shawl presented by Goa. The National Games serve as an important platform for India’s budding sports talent, and the Prime Minister expressed his hope for their continued success.
The opening ceremony of the National Games began at Goa’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 6:30 PM. The ceremony started with a performance by the singer Sukhwinder Singh, who enthralled the audience with popular songs like “Jai Ho,” “Kar Har Maidan Fateh,” “Chak De India,” and “Chaiyya Chaiyya.”
Goa is hosting the National Games for the first time, and it is being held in five cities in Goa: Mapusa, Margao, Panaji, Ponda, and Vasco. Additionally, Delhi is hosting cycling and golf events as part of the Games.
The National Games in Goa will feature a total of 47 events, with participation from over 10,000 athletes. Besides state teams, the Indian armed forces and services sports control boards are also competing in various events. The Services Sports Control Board has been the reigning champion at the National Games, having won 61 gold medals and 128 medals in total in Gujarat last year. Maharashtra is second with 39 gold medals and a total of 140 medals, while Haryana is third with 38 gold medals and a total of 116 medals.
The National Games were previously known as the Indian Olympic Games from 1924 to 1938. However, from 1940 onwards, they have been known as the National Games. Mumbai was the first city to host the National Games in 1940. The Games are held every two years, but there have been gaps in their continuity. The first official National Games were organized in 1924 in Lahore.
After a gap of nine years, the National Games were held in Hyderabad in 1979. In 1985, they were hosted in New Delhi in a larger format. The Games have been held in various Indian states since then.
Prominent Indian athletes such as Neeraj Chopra, Sania Mirza, Mirabai Chanu, Sajan Prakash, and Manu Bhaker have also participated in the National Games. The National Games provide a significant platform for emerging Indian athletes on a grand stage.
