Dehradun: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th edition of the National Games in Dehradun, Uttarakhand on Tuesday. The opening ceremony for the National Games was held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket stadium in Dehradun.
While addressing the audience present at the event, PM Modi hailed UCC and said that sportsman spirit works as team spirit and removes discrimination, the UCC also eliminates discrimination in society.
PM met renowned athletes Jaspal Rana, Lakshya Sen, and Manish Rawat
PM Modi arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Dehradun by golf cart, accompanied by Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, to inaugurate the National Games. Upon arrival, PM Modi introduced the participating players and was welcomed by CM Dhami, who presented him with a Pahadi cap. PM Modi inspected the ground from a special golf cart and then met renowned athletes, including Olympians Jaspal Rana, Lakshya Sen, Manish Rawat, Subhash Rana, and Manoj Sarkar, on the stage.
National Games reflects the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India)
Addressing the players and attendees, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the presence of youthful energy has made Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods) even more divine. He highlighted that this edition of the National Games reflects the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India), incorporating traditional sports as well.
Medals and trophies awarded to the winners are made from e-waste
PM Modi referred to the National Games in Uttarakhand as “Green Games” because the medals and trophies awarded to the winners are made from e-waste. Additionally, trees will be planted in the names of all the players. Speaking about the impact of sports on the economy, the Prime Minister mentioned that opportunities for athletes are being increased, and university students are being given chances. Recently, the fifth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games was held in Ladakh. Hundreds of BJP MPs are organizing sports competitions in their constituencies.
Sports events create opportunities for services and manufacturing
He emphasized that sports are being linked to India’s overall development and efforts are being made to make sports a significant part of the economy. The sports events create opportunities for services and manufacturing, and India is becoming a quality manufacturer of sports goods. There are 35,000 factories in Meerut alone, and this ecosystem is working across the country. Employment opportunities will increase, providing jobs for the youth. Sports benefit not only athletes but also impact all sectors. The Prime Minister expressed his determination to host the 2036 Olympics in India. Sports are no longer just an extracurricular activity; people are adopting it as a major career.
UCC described as Secular Civil Code
In the 38th National Games ceremony, PM Modi explained UCC in simple language. PM Modi said that UCC is the basis of the dignified life of daughters, mothers and sisters. UCC will strengthen the spirit of the Constitution. PM Modi said that UCC is the basis of the dignified life of daughters, mothers and sisters. This is the spirit of Uniform Civil Code and not discrimination. Speaking about the UCC implemented in Uttarakhand yesterday, the Prime Minister said that just as sportsmanship works as team spirit and removes discrimination, the UCC also eliminates discrimination in society.
PM Modi said that for the first time such a large-scale national event is being organized in Uttarakhand. PM Modi congratulated the Uttarakhand government for this. He said, “This will open new opportunities here. After this Uttarakhand will also have to open its doors for development.” Addressing the athletes, he said that the National Games are not just a sports competition but also a platform for “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” The unity and excellence of India should shine through in your medals.
Dehradun witnessed a grand opening ceremony of the National Games
The Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium in Dehradun witnessed a grand opening ceremony of the National Games, attended by a crowd of approximately 25,000 people. The event showcased the cultural and religious aspects of Uttarakhand, with the slogan “Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak” (From Resolution to Pinnacle). All the competitions of the National Games will be held in Uttarakhand.
Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmeet Singh, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, sports Minister Rekha Arya, MP Ajay Tamta, BJP President Mahendra Bhatt, Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri and IOA President PT Usha are present on the stage with them. After the Prime Minister’s address, the sound of 2025 conch shells resonated through the stadium.
