PM Modi opens the 37th National Games in Panaji, Goa

The 37^th National Games in Panaji, Goa, were officially opened on Thursday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister welcomed the crowd assembled for the event when he arrived at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao. Goa Chief Minister Parmod Sawant gave him a Kunbi shawl as a token of appreciation, which represents the state’s culture and identity.

At the opening, Indian athletes gave PM Modi a torch. The games symbolic “Infinity Flame” was presented to the prime minister, and on that occasion, they were formally launched. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant were also in attendance.

To keep the audience and all the dignitaries in attendance entertained, a cultural program was organized. Youngsters also performed a few Malkhamb pieces. CM Sawant gave a speech to the group on the occasion. For the first time ever, Goa is hosting the National Games. The dates of the games are October 26-November 9. At 28 locations, over 10,000 athletes from all over the nation will compete in over 43 sports disciplines. Goa is set to host the biggest National Games ever.

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A number of new sports disciplines, including beach football, roll ball, golf, sepaktakraw, sqay martial arts, kalleripattu, and pencak silat, will make their medal stage debuts at the 37^th National Games. Several well-known Indian athletes have competed in the National Games in the past, including Manu Bhaker , Sania Mirza, Mirabai Chanu, Sajan Prakash and Neeraj Chopra.