36th National Games, Gujarat 2022 – PM Narendra Modi declares 36th National Games open

The 36th National Games were inaugurated by Honourabe Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at a spellbinding Opening Ceremony here on Thursday evening, in the presence of over 1.25 lakh ecstatic spectators.

The one-hour-long show, attended by a star-studded gathering that included Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Honourable Union Minister of Sports Shri Anurag Thakur and the country’s best athletes, was a perfect medley of tradition, modernity and entertainment.

In keeping with Olympic convention, but with a modern twist, Gujarat’s swimming star Maana Patel brought in the symbolic Torch of Unity into the arena and handed it over to the Prime Minister.

Watched and applauded by several current and past sports icons, including Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, Ravi Dahiya, Mirabai Chanu, Gagan Narang, Dilip Tirkey and Anju Bobby George, the Prime Minister placed the Torch on the podium for it to be lit by augmented reality.

When the PM rose to speak, a roar as loud as thousand lions echoed in the stadium, underlining his continued popularity in the state. “This sight, this ambience can’t be described in words. In the world’s biggest stadium, one of the world’s youngest countries is witnessing India’s biggest sports festival,” he said.

Praising the theme behind the Games anthem, Judega India, Jitega India, the Prime Minister said that the National Games would act as a launch pad for every youngster.

“Fortunately, the auspicious festival of Navratri is taking place at this moment. I invite players from different states to not only enjoy the Games but also the festivities in Gujarat. To the people of Gujarat, I ask you to leave no stone unturned in your hospitality,” he added.

festival of Navratri is taking place at this moment. I invite players from different states to not only enjoy the Games but also the festivities in Gujarat. To the people of Gujarat, I ask you to leave no stone unturned in your hospitality,” he added.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also welcomed the over 7,000-plus athletes from “every corner of the country” on behalf of every Gujarati in the state and the world.

“Today, the world’s largest stadium is witness to India’s power in sports. Our beloved Prime Minister has seen the vision of Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat and I believe that the National Games will attain that goal,” he said.

In keeping with a time-honoured Olympic custom, Ek Bharat, a ceremonial march past, by the athletes of 36 States and Union Territories plus Services ensued. The biggest applause, unsurprisingly, was reserved for the 700-strong Gujarat contingent, which was led by tennis star Ankita Raina, who also took the oath on behalf of all the athletes.

The National Games, being held after seven years, will witness India’s best athletes compete in 36 disciplines in six cities of Gujarat. Although they started on September 20 to accommodate World Championship-bound table tennis players, they will gather steam on Friday with nine disciplines getting underway and several top athletes entering the fray.

Earlier, the PM virtually inaugurated the Swarnim Gujarat Sports Unity through Augmented Reality, setting the stage for a mind-blowing show.

A special performance showcasing several of Gujarat’s traditional art forms at the start set the mood for the evening.

A tribute called ‘20 Years of Vision, Governance and Leadership – Vande Gujarat!’ in the form of a Cultural performance by 600 local artistes and singers was one of the highlights of the day.