Dehradun: Uttarakhand is poised to make history by hosting the 38th National Games, with players showcasing their strength in 35 sports events.
All preparations have been completed to ensure that the National Games and the opening ceremony, graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are grand and memorable. The youth will kick off the event by blowing the conch, marking the beginning of an exciting sports journey in the state.
Around 10,000 players to participate
Around ten thousand players from across the country will compete for 3674 medals in 35 sports events. The biggest sporting event in the state will commence as soon as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the games on January 28. This event is expected to elevate sports to new heights in Uttarakhand.
Various locations for events across the state
Uttarakhand, hosting most of the team games, will participate in the National Games for the first time. The thrill of sports will be witnessed in various locations across the state, including Dehradun, Rishikesh, Tehri, Udham Singh Nagar, Haldwani, Haridwar, New Tehri, Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh, and Champawat.
New sports have been introduced, Yoga & Malakhambha
New sports have been introduced at the medal level, with Yoga and Malakhambha, previously included as demonstration sports, now being recognized as medal sports in the 38th National Games. These new sports have been initiated at the medal level from Uttarakhand.
Construction of a velodrome at Manoj Sarkar Sports Stadium in Rudrapur
The demand for cycling has increased, leading to the construction of a velodrome at Manoj Sarkar Sports Stadium in Rudrapur at a cost of Rs 23.12 crore. The Cycling Federation of India plans to organize various national and international level competitions at this velodrome in the future.
Teams from 28 states and some union territories are participating
Teams from 28 states and some union territories are participating in the National Games. Andhra Pradesh is participating in about 19 events, and Andaman in five games. Other participating states include Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, and more.
All events in the 38th National Games will be held in Uttarakhand
Unlike the 37th National Games held in Goa, where some competitions were also held in Delhi, all events in the 38th National Games will be held in Uttarakhand. This ensures that the entire state will be involved in this historic event. Rekha Arya, the Sports Minister, stated, “All preparations for the National Games and its opening ceremony have been completed. The state is going to create history by successfully organizing these games for the first time.”
PT Usha Arrives in Dehradun to Review Sports Preparations
PT Usha, the President of the Indian Olympic Association, arrived in Dehradun on Monday. Sports Minister Rekha Arya welcomed her at Dehradun Airport. Usha was briefed on the state’s sports preparations and the grand event’s framework. Other chief guests are expected to arrive in Dehradun by Tuesday afternoon. The ceremony’s theme will be based on Devbhoomi, the environment, folk art, wildlife, and the Himalayas.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inspected the various arrangements for the 38th National Games
On Monday evening, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Maharana Pratap Stadium in Dehradun to inspect the various arrangements for the 38th National Games. The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction with the preparations so far and instructed that a grand welcome be arranged for the athletes coming to Uttarakhand for the National Games. The Chief Minister stated that hosting the 38th National Games is a significant opportunity for the state. “We all have to work together to make it historic. The entire country is eagerly waiting for the inauguration of the 38th National Games, and we are fully prepared for this event.”
