Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate the eagerly anticipated 37th National Games on Thursday, October 26, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Goa. The grand event will take place at the illustrious Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, nestled in the heart of Fatorda, South Goa.
This spectacular inauguration is expected to draw a diverse crowd of around twelve thousand enthusiastic attendees, with a significant presence of five thousand students eager to witness the festivities.
The games commenced their journey in Goa with the thrilling 'Badminton tournament' on October 19, but the formal inauguration, marked by grandeur and enthusiasm, is scheduled for the upcoming Thursday.
The esteemed guest list includes the dynamic Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, the energetic Youth Affairs and Sports Minister, Anurag Singh Thakur, the Minister of State for Tourism, Shripad Naik, and the diligent Goa Sports Minister, Govind Gaude, who will join Prime Minister Modi in celebrating this momentous occasion.
Pramod Sawant has revealed that the inaugural program promises to be a visual and auditory feast, with enthralling performances by accomplished singers and talented artists. The renowned voices of Hema Sardesai and Sukhwinder Singh will grace the event, adding a melodious charm to the grand celebration. Moreover, over 600 artists will unite to deliver a mesmerizing national integration program within the stadium, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the nation.
A major highlight of the National Games is the impressive array of sporting disciplines on display, including 43 different sports, which encompass not only the mainstream but also five indigenous sports: Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Lagori, and Yoga. This amalgamation of traditional and contemporary sports reflects the country's rich heritage and modern enthusiasm for athleticism.
The sprawling event will unfold across 28 venues in various Goan cities, including Panaji, Mapusa, Margao, Colva, Vasco, and Ponda. These diverse locations will host the skilled participation of approximately 10,806 athletes, with an encouraging 49 percent of them being women. This commitment to gender diversity underscores the inclusive and progressive spirit of the National Games, which aims to promote the essence of sports across the nation.
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