PM Modi Inaugurates the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Highlights Sports as Key to India’s Development.
Dehradun:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, today, marking the start of a significant sporting event celebrating India’s athletic talent and unity. Speaking at the grand opening, PM Modi lauded the energy of the youth and the state of Uttarakhand, which is hosting the event in its Silver Jubilee year.
The Prime Minister remarked that the National Games are not just a sporting competition but a platform for showcasing India’s unity and diversity, epitomized by the theme “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” He also highlighted the inclusion of local sports and a special emphasis on sustainability, with this year’s games themed “Green Games,” using environmentally friendly materials, including e-waste trophies and medals.
“Uttarakhand, with the blessings of Baba Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Maa Ganga, has become the perfect backdrop for this sporting event,” said PM Modi. He further emphasized that the games were a celebration of India’s diverse cultures and the nation’s commitment to sporting excellence.
PM Modi also spoke about the government’s ongoing efforts to support athletes, noting that sports have become a central focus of India’s development. He pointed to the Khelo India initiative, which has created more opportunities for athletes at the grassroots level, and the government’s efforts to triple the sports budget over the past decade.
“In India, sports are not just extracurricular activities, but a career choice for our youth,” he added. The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of sports in boosting the nation’s global profile and stressed that the country is actively working to host the 2036 Olympics, which he believes will further elevate India’s stature on the world stage.
India’s growing sports infrastructure, including a new sports university in Manipur and the development of top-notch sports facilities, was also highlighted by PM Modi. He pointed out that the sports economy is expanding, with Meerut emerging as a hub for sports equipment production, employing hundreds of thousands of people.
Addressing the athletes directly, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in their potential and encouraged them to give their best performance in the games. He noted that the National Games were an excellent opportunity for athletes to set new records and to demonstrate India’s collective spirit of unity.
PM Modi also emphasized the importance of fitness and a healthy lifestyle, urging citizens to engage in regular exercise and adopt a balanced diet. The Fit India Movement, which encourages physical activity and nutrition, was highlighted as a critical step toward improving the nation’s overall health.
The Prime Minister concluded his address by wishing all participants the best of luck and reinforcing that the National Games are a powerful reminder of India’s growing athletic prowess and the spirit of unity that binds the nation together.
Event Background:
The 38th National Games, held from January 28 to February 14, 2025, are taking place across 11 cities and 8 districts of Uttarakhand. With 36 states and one union territory participating, the Games feature 35 sports disciplines, including Yoga and Mallakhamb for the first time. Over 10,000 athletes are expected to compete in this prestigious event, with medals being awarded in 33 sports.
The Games are set against the backdrop of Uttarakhand’s scenic beauty and are designed with sustainability in mind, showcasing India’s commitment to a greener future in sports. A special “Sports Forest” will be developed, where saplings will be planted by athletes and guests, underscoring the environmentally conscious approach to the event.
The Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt.Gen. (Retd.) Gurmit Singh, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, and several Union Ministers attended the event, marking the beginning of what promises to be a landmark sporting event in India’s history.
