The National Games are being held in Goa for the first time, from October 26 to November 9, and are taking place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, South Goa.
The event is witnessing participation from more than 10,000 athletes representing various states across the country, competing in over 43 sports disciplines across 28 venues.The inauguration of the 37th edition of the National Games was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was felicitated by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant with a Kunbi shawl, symbolizing the state’s culture and identity.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the transformative steps taken by the current government in promoting sports and fostering an ecosystem for athletes, which, he noted, was previously neglected.The Prime Minister highlighted the significant increase in the sports budget, which is currently three times higher than it was nine years ago, reflecting the government’s commitment to investing in sports infrastructure and development.He stressed the abundant talent present in India’s streets and villages and the government’s efforts to identify and support promising athletes through various schemes, including the Khelo India program and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
Prime Minister Modi expressed his aspiration for India to host the Youth Olympics in 2030 and the Olympics in 2036, underscoring the government’s long-term vision to bolster the country’s standing in the global sports arena.
The National Games in Goa serve as a significant platform for emerging athletes to showcase their skills and potential, and the event is expected to encourage a culture of sportsmanship and healthy competition among participants.
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