Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, marked the inauguration of the 37th National Games at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa. In his address, he exuded optimism for India’s sporting future and articulated a powerful vision for the nation’s growth as a major economic power by 2036. This momentous event not only signifies a celebration of India’s rich sporting talent but also reflects the government’s commitment to promoting sports at both the national and international levels.
India’s Ascent to Economic Power:
Prime Minister Modi’s speech emphasized India’s journey towards becoming a major economic power by 2036. He envisions a future where India’s flag will not only fly high in space but also dominate the sporting arena, making future Olympics more accessible and successful for the country.
Recognizing India’s Sporting Talent:
During his address, PM Modi proudly proclaimed that India is brimming with sports talent, producing numerous champions who have made their mark on the global stage. This recognition of India’s sporting prowess is a testament to the nation’s dedication to nurturing and celebrating its athletes.
Government’s Commitment to Sports:
One of the highlights of PM Modi’s speech was the substantial increase in the sports budget over the last nine years. This threefold increase demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to the development of sports in India. The government has also introduced new schemes to provide financial incentives to sportspersons, thus further promoting and supporting athletes.
Historic Hosting of National Games:
The hosting of the 37th National Games is of great significance, especially when Indian athletes are achieving historic milestones on the global stage. Goa, for the first time, has the honor of hosting the National Games. This event, scheduled from October 26 to November 9, will witness the participation of over 10,000 athletes in more than 43 sports disciplines across 28 venues. Notably, nearly half of the athletes are women, reflecting India’s commitment to gender inclusivity in sports.
Diverse Sporting Events:
The 37th National Games will showcase a diverse range of sports disciplines, with some of them making their medal debut. These include beach football, roll ball, golf, sepak takraw, sqay martial arts, Kalaripayattu, and pencak silat. Additionally, sports such as Kho, yogasana, and mallakhamb will also make their debut in this year’s National Games. The event will feature demonstration sports like lagori and gatka.
Reviving and Welcoming Back:
This year’s National Games also marks the return of Taekwondo and yachting games, which were excluded in the previous edition. The event will feature a wide array of sports, including gymnastics, rowing, hockey, shooting, lawn tennis, table tennis, boxing, water polo, snooker, judo, and handball.
This comprehensive and inspiring event, hosted in multiple cities of Goa, promises to be a turning point in the history of Indian sports. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the sports culture in India has undergone a significant transformation, and continuous government support has led to tremendous improvements in athletes’ performances at the international level.
The 37th National Games serve as a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to the development and promotion of sports. As the country looks forward to 2036, Prime Minister Modi’s vision not only inspires the sporting community but also reinforces India’s determination to emerge as a global sports powerhouse. With increased funding and support for athletes, India’s journey to the pinnacle of sporting excellence is well on its way.
