PM Modi Inaugurates 37th National Games in Goa

PM Modi inaugurates 37th National Games in Goa: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 37th edition of the National Games in Panaji, Goa, on 26th October 2023, focusing on the nation's ambition to host the Olympics in 2036. The games are being held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Fatorda in South Goa.

Inauguration of 37th National Games in Goa

The 37th National Games have been officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi at an event in Goa. The cultural presentation delighted both the audience and the guests during the event. Additionally, children showcased their impressive Malkhamb performances.

In an event held at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, PM Modi greeted the assembled audience. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant felicitated the Prime Minister with a Kunbi shawl, a symbol of the state's rich culture and heritage.

The Indian athletes presented PM Modi with a torch during the opening ceremony, symbolizing the 'Infinity Flame' representing the games. With this gesture, the games were officially inaugurated. The event also saw the presence of Goa CM Sawant and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha. A captivating cultural program entertained the crowd and dignitaries present, featuring impressive Malkhamb performances by children. CM Sawant addressed the gathering on this significant occasion.

For the first time in history, the National Games are taking place in Goa, scheduled from October 26 to November 9. With over 10,000 athletes participating in more than 43 sports disciplines across 28 venues, Goa is set to host the largest-ever National Games. The 37th National Games will introduce several new sports disciplines to the medal stage, including beach football, roll ball, golf, sepaktakraw, sqay martial arts, kalaripayattu, and pencak silat.

Over the years, the National Games have featured numerous distinguished Indian athletes, including Neeraj Chopra, Sania Mirza, Mirabai Chanu, Sajan Prakash, Manu Bhaker, and many others. PM Modi's presence at the inauguration further highlights the significance of this sporting event in India.

PM Modi Speech in 37th National Games

The PM in his address recalled the strides made by the country in promoting sports and an ecosystem for sports under the centrally sponsored schemes, something he said was neglected by previous governments. “The earlier government used to be very modest. People used to say sports is just a game. Why do we need to spend on it? Our government changed this thinking. We increased the budget. This year’s sports budget central is three times higher than nine years ago,” Modi said.

“There is no shortage of talent in India’s streets and villages. Our history is replete with stories of small towns that have given birth to champions. Yet, each time we used to look at our medal tally in national sports events, each and every citizen used to feel ashamed,” he said.

“That’s why, after 2014, through a national programme, we have rid ourselves of this thinking. We brought a change in sports infrastructure and changed the processes. We brought a change in financial help for players through schemes, but most importantly, we brought about a change in thinking. The old approach, the roadblocks have been removed one by one,” Modi said, adding that the government through its centrally sponsored programmes is hand-holding athletes through a roadmap “till the Olympic podium.”

“The effects are being seen throughout the country today,” he said, referring to India’s medal tally in the recently concluded Asian Games and Asian Paralympic Games.

“From Khelo India to TOPS (Target, Olympic, Podium Scheme). We built a new ecosystem. At the level of schools, colleges, and universities players, with potential are being identified, and the government is spending a lot of money on training and diet. Today 3,000 youth are being trained,” said Modi, wishing the athletes success at the games that he said were a perfect launch pad for up-and-coming athletes.