PM Modi to inaugurate 38th National Games in Uttarakhand

The 2022 edition, hosted by Gujarat, marked the revival of the National Games after a seven-year hiatus since the 2015 event.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has officially confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 38th edition of the National Games. The event is set to take place from January 28 to February 14, showcasing a diverse array of sporting talent and promoting unity through sports. The National Games, a prestigious sporting event in India, will feature athletes from across the country competing in various disciplines. This edition, held in Uttarakhand, promises to bring together the finest of India’s sporting community, fostering camaraderie and encouraging a spirit of healthy competition. The inauguration by Prime Minister Modi adds significant importance to the occasion, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting sports and wellness throughout the nation.

“I would like to thank PM Modi. We had urged him to inaugurate the National Games, and I am pleased to announce that he has agreed to do so,” said Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. He further added, “We also informed him about the winter yatra and requested him to stay here for a day during this yatra.” This statement underscores the state’s enthusiasm for the upcoming National Games and the hope of welcoming the Prime Minister during the winter yatra, a significant cultural and religious journey in the region.

In December of last year, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officially announced Uttarakhand as the host for the 2025 edition of the National Games. The upcoming event is set to be a grand spectacle, with over 10,000 athletes, officials, and coaches participating. These individuals will compete in 38 different sports, spread across multiple cities in the state, highlighting Uttarakhand’s capacity to host large-scale sporting events. This prestigious event will not only promote sports within the state but also showcase the region’s infrastructure and hospitality on a national level.

“The 38th National Games in Uttarakhand promise to be a landmark event in promoting both traditional and modern sports in India,” said IOA President P.T. Usha, as quoted by Olympics.com. Her statement emphasizes the significance of the event, which will not only showcase the diverse athletic talents across the country but also highlight the integration of traditional and modern sports, contributing to the holistic development of India’s sports culture.

“The inclusion of demonstration sports like kalarippayattu, yogasana, mallakhambh, and rafting reflects our commitment to honouring India’s rich heritage while encouraging new opportunities for athletes,” she added. P.T. Usha further emphasized how these traditional sports will not only celebrate India’s cultural legacy but also open up new avenues for athletes, offering them a platform to showcase their talents in both time-honored and emerging disciplines.

The National Games of India is an Olympic-style multi-sport event that unites athletes from various states and Union Territories to compete for medals in a range of sporting disciplines. The upcoming edition will feature 32 sporting disciplines, showcasing a diverse range of athletic talent. In addition, four demonstration events will be held, further highlighting the event’s commitment to celebrating both traditional and modern sports. This grand event serves as a platform for athletes to perform at their best while fostering national unity through sports.

The last edition of the National Games took place in Goa in 2023, with events spread across five cities—Mapusa, Margao, Panjim, Ponda, and Vasco. Maharashtra emerged as the top performer, clinching the highest number of medals in the competition, totaling 228, which included an impressive 80 gold medals. This dominant performance underscored Maharashtra’s strength in various sporting disciplines and set a high benchmark for future editions of the National Games.

The 2022 edition of the National Games, hosted by Gujarat, marked the revival of the event after a seven-year hiatus since the 2015 edition. In this highly anticipated return, the Services team emerged as the top performer, winning a total of 128 medals, including 61 golds. Their outstanding performance reaffirmed their dominance in Indian sports and highlighted the intense competition and high level of talent across various sporting disciplines during the event.

Hosting the National Games is expected to significantly boost Uttarakhand’s reputation as a prominent hub for both sports and tourism. The event will showcase the state’s capabilities in organizing large-scale sporting competitions, attracting both athletes and tourists. Additionally, the inclusion of traditional sports alongside Olympic disciplines emphasizes the event’s commitment to celebrating India’s cultural diversity. This combination of modern and traditional sports will not only provide a platform for athletes across various fields but also highlight Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage, further enhancing its appeal to visitors and sports enthusiasts alike.

Courtesy: TIMES NOW

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