Dehradun, Jan 28: A modest but colourful opening ceremony showcasing Uttarakhand’s religious heritage and bio-diversity kicked off the 38th National Games here on Tuesday with guest of honour Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterating his commitment to bring the 2036 Olympics to India during his address.
Around 10,000 athletes are gearing up to compete for podium finishes across 32 disciplines in the Games that will run till February 14. Events will be held across seven cities of the hill state with Dehradun being the main venue.
Around 450 gold medals, and a similar number of silver and bronze medals are at stake.
Modi declared the Games open after the teams marched in and he was presented the flame at the ceremony.
“It is our endeavour to enhance your capabilities and we are focussed on supporting you. We consider sports an essential aspect in development of country,” Modi told the gathered athletes at the ceremony.
The Prime Minister also used the opportunity to pass some health tips, urging youngsters to fight the growing menace of obesity by cutting down the oil in their food and adding more walks and exercise to their daily routines.
The ceremony started with a performance of Tandav, a classical dance form that is an ode to Lord Shiva. The Games were declared open with blowing of 2025 conches to mark the year.
Local favourite and popular Bollywood singer Jubin Nautiyal also performed during the ceremony.
Earlier, Modi arrived at the stadium riding on a decked-up golf cart along with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
After taking a round of the stadium, he was presented a traditional cap, shawl and a memento containing replicas of Games mascot ‘Mauli’ and the medals.
An estimated 25,000 spectators have packed the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium despite the chilly weather to catch the ceremony live.
The PM had also opened the last two editions of the Games in 2022 (Gujarat) and 2023 (Goa).
Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh, Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse, and Uttarakhand Sports Minister Rekha Arya were the dignitaries present on the occasion.
Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha and Commonwealth Games Federation chief Chris Jenkins were also in attendance at the ceremony.
Uttarakhand’s own Lakshya Sen, a world championships medal-winning shuttler, brought the Games torch and handed it over to Modi, who placed it in its designated place.
During the Athletes’ Parade, Uttarakhand expectedly received the loudest cheer. Almora’s Sen and distance runner Ankita Dhyani were Uttarakhand’s flag-bearers in the parade.
Sen later took oath on behalf of the participating athletes.
Under IOA’s objective of inclusivity, the National Games also following established norms of having a male and a female flag bearer leading each team.
Hosting the National Game holds a special significance for Uttarakhand as the state is celebrating the 25th year of its creation.
‘Mauli’, inspired by Uttarakhand’s state bird ‘Monal’, is the Games mascot, symbolising the region’s unique natural beauty, diversity and cultural heritage.
Most of the established sporting stars of the country such as javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, shuttler PV Sindhu, shooter Manu Bhaker are giving it a miss, leaving the stage for other athletes to make a mark.
Among the prominent names who will turn up are Olympic medal-winning shooters Swapnil Kusale and Sarabjot Singh, world championships medallist shuttler Lakshya Sen and Tokyo Games bronze-winning boxer Lovlina Borgahain.
Four sports – kalarippayattu, yogasana, mallakhambh and rafting – will be demonstration (non-medal) sports. (PTI)
Hosting 2036 Olympics will take Indian sports to new heights: Modi
Dehradun, Jan 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said his government is putting all its might behind the ambitious bid to bag the hosting rights of 2036 Olympics, which will take Indian sports to new heights and create opportunities across different sectors.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 38th National Games here as a guest of honour, the PM reiterated that the bid, if successful, will be a game-changer for country’s infrastructure.
“We are pushing for hosting rights of 2036 Olympics, it will take Indian sports to new heights,” the PM said here.
“Olympics is not just a sporting event. Wherever Olympics happen, all sectors gain. It creates better facilities for athletes. It spurs construction, creates new connectivity, transport facilities and most important of all, boosts tourism,” he added.
“People from all over the world, including the athletes, will come down to India.”
Modi had expressed India’s intention to host the 2036 Games during the International Olympic Committee’s Session in Mumbai in 2023.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has submitted the official letter of intent to the IOC.
The IOC will not decide before 2026 and the next step for India is to prepare an official bid, detailing its broad plan for the Games.
Countries like Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are also in the running for the 2036 hosting rights and it would take a significant effort to upstage their bids.
“It is our endeavour to enhance your capabilities and we are focussed on supporting you. We consider sports an essential aspect in development of country,” Modi said addressing the gathered athletes at the ceremony.
“India is becoming one of the biggest economies in the world and the sporting economy must have a share in this. The coaches, trainers, nutritionists, physiotherapists, doctors and equipment, all these are part of this.”
Talking about the National Games, he said, “These Games are more than just a sporting event. It is a great platform to showcase the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ It is a celebration of India’s rich diversity and unity.
“We are creating more and more opportunities for our athletes so they can enhance their potential to the fullest. We consider sports as a key driver for India’s holistic development.”
He also talked about the various government programmes which have benefitted the athletes, including the Target Olympic Podium Scheme and the Khelo India initiative.
“The sports budget has been increased three-fold and we have spent crores of rupees under TOPS for the benefit of the athletes.
“Because of Khelo India Youth Games, the young athletes are getting a chance to move ahead. The same is true for Khelo India University Games, the university students are getting new opportunities.
“After the Khelo India Para Games, the para athletes are achieving success.” (PTI)
38th National Games lead the way with plastic-free branding initiative
Dehradun, Jan 28: The 38th National Games have taken a significant step toward sustainability under the “Green Games” theme by not using any plastic in the event’s branding.
Instead of plastic, recyclable sun fabric has been utilised for hoardings and billboards covering an extensive 6 lakh square feet area, ensuring they can be reused and recycled after the event.
This eco-friendly approach aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on responsible consumption, climate action, and preserving natural resources. The initiative is a step forward in reducing plastic waste, promoting sustainable practices, and showcasing how large-scale events can contribute to environmental well-being.
The “Green Games” theme aims to inspire individuals and organisations to adopt practices that prioritise conservation, sustainability, and a greener future. (PTI)