PM Narendra Modi inaugurates 37th National Games at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 37th National Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa last evening. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime minister said, India is advancing in various domains and setting unprecedented benchmarks today. Mr Modi said that from Khelo India to TOPS ( Target Olympic Podium Scheme), the government has created a new ecosystem to support players in the country. 

He added that Khelo India has been successful as more than 125 players have done a good job in Asian Games. He said the development of the Sports Sector in any country is directly related to the progress of the economy of that country. The Prime Minister said, the Asian Para Games are currently taking place and Indian athletes have achieved a remarkable feat by securing over record number of medals and it celebrates the country's exceptional sporting prowess. 

The Prime minister said that India is full of talent and has the capacity to do better even in adverse conditions. He said that the government has brought



changes in sports infrastructure, selection process, training, and mentality of people towards sports which resulted in improvement in sports performance. He informed that currently, the sports budget is three times of 9 years ago's government.  He expressed confidence that India is ready for conducting 2036 Olympics in India.

 

He said that National Games is reflection of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. The Prime Minister also appreciated preparation for National Games by Goa government.

 

The October 26-November 9 extravaganza is set to witness about 10,000 athletes across various disciplines from all across the country.

The Governor of Goa Sreedharan Pillai, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Chief Minister of Goa Dr Pramod Sawant, Indian Olympic Association President P T Usha other dignitaries were present at the event. It featured performances by renowned artists, including Sukhwinder Singh and others.