The 37th National Games are set for a grand opening on October 26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the games and the torch will be presented to him by Goa-born windsurfer Katya Ida Coelho.
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The five-hour opening ceremony will feature performances by renowned artists including Sukhwinder Singh and Goa’s own Hema Sardesai. There will also be a parade of athletes from the 28 participating teams. Around 10,000 athletes competing across 36 sports disciplines will take part in the National Games, which run from October 26 to November 9.
Grand Show Promises Celebration of Unity in Diversity
According to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, around 600 artists will perform at the opening ceremony based on the theme of national integration. The event promises to be a grand show, celebrating the diversity of cultures across India coming together in the spirit of sport.
Around 5,000 students will also be part of the 12,000 strong crowd at the Fatorda stadium along with dignitaries like the sports ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Odisha.
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12 Year Wait Over for Goa to Host National Games
Goa has been waiting 12 long years to host the National Games again after last organizing them in 2009. The state is excited to host India’s premier domestic sports competition.
“After 12 years, we are hosting these games,” said CM Sawant. He added that while Goa hosts international events like the film festival IFFI every year, the National Games will be even bigger.
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Spotlight on Goa’s Passion for Sports
The National Games 2022 will put the spotlight on Goa as a major hub for sports in India. The state has a rich legacy in multiple disciplines like football, swimming, volleyball and water sports.
The extensive new sporting infrastructure built across Goa in preparation for the games will provide a boost to local talent. Flagbearer Katya Ida Coelho, who will hand over the torch to the PM, underlines Goa’s passion for water sports especially.
Over the next two weeks, India’s top athletes will aim for glory in Goa. The opening ceremony will be a fitting launch for the country’s premier domestic sports competition returning after a seven year gap. With a contingent of over 10,000 athletes and officials, this National Games promises to be grander than ever.
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