Colorful start of National Games in Uttarakhand, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated it

Dehradun, January 28, 2025

The 38th National Games commenced in Uttarakhand on Tuesday with a grand cultural extravaganza. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event in a spectacular ceremony held in Dehradun.

On this occasion, PM Modi stated,
“The land of the gods is glowing today with youthful energy. With the blessings of Baba Kedar, Badrinath Ji, and Maa Ganga, the National Games have begun. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Uttarakhand’s formation. Thousands of young athletes from across the country will showcase their strength in this youthful state. This event beautifully represents the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.“

Inclusion of Indigenous Sports & Eco-Friendly Games

PM Modi emphasized the importance of traditional Indian sports in the National Games, stating that several indigenous games have been included in this edition. He also highlighted that this year’s National Games are being organized as “Green Games,” with a strong focus on environmental sustainability.

• Eco-friendly materials are being extensively used.
• Medals and trophies have been made from e-waste.
• A tree will be planted in the name of each medal-winning athlete.

“This is a wonderful initiative,” said PM Modi. “I extend my best wishes to all athletes for their outstanding performances. I also congratulate Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, his team, and the people of Uttarakhand for hosting this spectacular event.”

“When a Country Advances in Sports, Its Reputation Also Grows” – PM Narendra Modi

Dehradun, Uttarakhand | 38th National Games Inauguration Speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of sports in India’s overall development, stating:

“We consider sports a crucial medium for India’s holistic progress. When a country advances in sports, its reputation and global profile also rise. That is why sports are now directly linked to India’s development.”

Building a Sports Economy

PM Modi highlighted that sports are being integrated with India’s youth confidence and economic growth:

“India is on its way to becoming the world’s third-largest economic power, and we aim to make sports a significant part of this journey. In any sport, it’s not just the athlete competing; there is an entire ecosystem behind them—coaches, trainers, nutritionists, fitness experts, doctors, and equipment manufacturers. This creates scope for both the service and manufacturing sectors.”

He pointed out that India is emerging as a top-quality manufacturer of sports equipment used worldwide. Referring to Meerut, a hub for sports equipment production, he noted:

“Meerut, not far from here, has over 35,000 small and large sports manufacturing units, employing more than 300,000 people. India is working to create such ecosystems across the country.”

Job Creation in Uttarakhand

PM Modi lauded Uttarakhand for hosting a large-scale national event for the first time, emphasizing its potential for job creation and economic growth:

“This is a significant milestone. It will generate more employment opportunities for Uttarakhand’s youth, enabling them to work within their home state. Uttarakhand must continue to explore new avenues for development.”

Encouraging Winter Spiritual Tourism in Uttarakhand

The Prime Minister underscored the need to promote winter spiritual tourism, stating that Uttarakhand’s economy should not solely depend on the Char Dham Yatra:

“The government has been enhancing facilities, attracting more pilgrims each season, and setting new records. But this is not enough. Uttarakhand must also focus on promoting winter spiritual tourism. I am pleased that new steps are being taken in this direction.”

“Uttarakhand Feels Like My Second Home” – PM Modi

PM Modi expressed his deep connection with Uttarakhand:

“Uttarakhand is like my second home. I also wish to participate in winter pilgrimages. I urge the youth across the country to visit Uttarakhand during winter. The crowd is lesser, and there are immense opportunities for adventure activities. To all the athletes here, I encourage you to explore Uttarakhand after the National Games and experience the warmth of Devbhoomi’s hospitality.”