The 38th National Games of India kicked off on January 28, 2025, at Dehradun’s Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium
The 38th National Games of India commenced with a grand opening ceremony on January 28, 2025, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the event, marking the first time Uttarakhand has hosted the National Games. Highlights of the Opening Ceremony:• Torch Relay: The National Games torch, named ‘Tejaswini,’ was handed over to Prime Minister Modi by badminton player Lakshya Sen, a semi-finalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The torch had traversed a 4,000 km journey across all 13 districts of Uttarakhand before reaching the stadium. • Cultural Performances: The ceremony began with a classical ‘Tandav’ dance, paying homage to Lord Shiva. Additionally, 2,025 conches were blown simultaneously to signify the commencement of the Games. • Dignitaries Present: Alongside Prime Minister Modi, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was in attendance, underscoring the significance of the event for the state. About the 38th National Games:• Duration and Venues: The Games are scheduled from January 28 to February 14, 2025, spanning 12 cities in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Rudrapur, Rishikesh, Haldwani, Tanakpur, Pithoragarh, Almora, Nainital, Bhimtal, and Khatima. • Participation: Approximately 10,000 athletes and officials from various states, union territories, and institutions are participating in 32 sports and four demonstration events, such as mallakhamb, kalarippayattu, rafting, and yogasana. • Mascot: The official mascot is ‘Mauli,’ representing the monal bird, which is the state bird of both Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. • Theme: Emphasizing sustainability, the theme ‘Green Games’ focuses on the use of recyclable materials, rainwater harvesting, and eco-friendly transportation systems, aiming to inspire eco-friendly practices among individuals and organizations. During his address, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing the 2036 Summer Olympics to India, highlighting the nation’s growing emphasis on sports development