PM Narendra Modi declares National Games 2025 open, reiterates pushing for hosting 2036 Olympics

PM Narendra Modi declares National Games 2025 open, reiterates pushing for hosting 2036 Olympics

A modest but colourful opening ceremony showcasing Uttarakhand’s religious heritage and bio-diversity kicked off the 38th National Games here on Tuesday with guest of honour Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed his commitment to bring the 2036 Olympics to India during his address.

“We are pushing for hosting rights of 2036 Olympics, it will take Indian sports to new heights,” the PM said while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 38th National Games.

“Wherever Olympics happen, all sectors gain. It creates better facilities for athletes,” he added.

Around 10,000 athletes are gearing up to compete for podium finishes across 32 disciplines in the Games that will run till February 14. Events will be held across seven cities of the hill state with Dehradun being the main venue.

Around 450 gold medals, and a similar number of silver and bronze medals are at stake.

Modi declared the Games open after the teams marched in and he was presented the flame at the ceremony.

“It is our endeavour to enhance your capabilities and we are focussed on supporting you. We consider sports an essential aspect in development of country,” Modi told the gathered athletes at the ceremony.

“It is a beautiful portrait of ‘Ek Bharat, Sreshth Bharat’,” Modi said referring to the Games.

The ceremony started with a performance of ‘Tandav’, a classical dance form that is an ode to Lord Shiva. The Games were declared open with blowing of 2025 conches to mark the year.

Local favourite and popular Bollywood singer Jubin Nautiyal also performed during the ceremony.

Earlier, Modi arrived at the stadium riding on a decked-up golf cart along with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

After taking a round of the stadium, he was presented a traditional cap, shawl and a memento containing replicas of Games mascot ‘Mauli’ and the medals.

An estimated 25,000 spectators packed the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium despite the chilly weather to catch the ceremony live.

Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha and Commonwealth Games Federation chief Chris Jenkins were also in attendance at the ceremony.

Uttarakhand’s own Lakshya Sen, a world championships medal-winning shuttler, brought the Games torch and handed it over to Modi, who placed it in its designated place.

During the Athletes’ Parade, Uttarakhand expectedly received the loudest cheer. Almora’s Sen and distance runner Ankita Dhyani were Uttarakhand’s flag-bearers in the parade.

Sen later took oath on behalf of the participating athletes.

Under IOA’s objective of inclusivity, the National Games also following established norms of having a male and a female flag bearer leading each team.

With the theme of ‘Green Games’, the event aims to inspire individuals and organisations to adopt eco-friendly and sustainable practices.