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 focused on supporting you. We consider sports an essential aspect in development of country," Modi told the gathered athletes at the ceremony.
"It is a beautiful portrait of 'Ek Bharat, Sreshth Bharat'," Modi said referring to the Games.
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.
PM reaffirms commitment to hosting 2036 Olympics
PM Modi 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 the country's infrastructure.
"We are pushing for hosting rights of 2036 Olympics, it will take Indian sports to new heights," the PM said here.
"The Olympics is not just a sporting event. Wherever the 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.
Follow us
