India Benchmarks Sustainability in Sports through 38th National Games

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave an inspiring speech and officially declared the 38th National Games grandly inaugurated at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. This landmark event is a celebration of sports excellence and a testament to India’s commitment to sustainability. Uttarakhand leads the way with eco-friendly sports infrastructure and venues under the ‘Green Games’ theme.

The grand opening ceremony featured mesmerizing performances, vibrant cultural displays, and an electrifying atmosphere that captivated the audience. A highlight of the evening was the spectacular parade of athletes from participating states, with each contingent accompanied by NCC Cadets and Students playing bagpipes. The parade was enhanced by a state-of-the-art multi-faceted pyramid screen, ensuring an immersive visual experience for spectators across the stadium.

The celebration reached new heights with enthralling musical and dance performances, culminating in a spellbinding performance by renowned Bollywood playback singer Jubin Nautiyal, who enchanted a crowd of over 25,000 attendees. Nautiyal also paid a heartfelt tribute to the country’s sporting legends and the young athletes poised to carry forward India’s glorious sporting legacy.

The 38th National Games, which span 11 cities and eight districts, are a logistical marvel. Over 10,000 athletes compete in 35 sports. From the plains of Dehradun and Haldwani to the hills of Almora and Pithoragarh, the Games exemplify India’s commitment to fostering sports and sustainability...Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, PM Modi emphasised the importance of sports in India’s development and acknowledged the state’s efforts in setting new sustainability benchmarks.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the Prime Minister and thanked him for entrusting Uttarakhand with this prestigious event. He shared that over 10,000 athletes nationwide will compete in 35 sports across 11 cities in Uttarakhand during the 17-day event. In a commitment to sustainability, the 38th National Games are being hosted under the ‘Green Games’ theme, incorporating solar energy and minimising plastic usage....As per the information provided by the state government’s officials, beyond the games, the sustainable infrastructure initiatives have created employment opportunities and fostered economic growth by prioritising local materials and labour in construction projects. They also claimed that self-sustaining venues will continue to serve as hubs for sporting activities and community engagement long after the National Games, reinforcing Uttarakhand’s position as a leader in green event management. They also praised Deepali Designs and Exhibits Pvt Ltd’s proactive approach to managing and materialising things.

As India moves forward with its vision for a greener and more sustainable future, especially about hosting the 2036 Olympics, the 38th National Games set a precedent for future sporting events. By integrating sustainability into large-scale sporting events, India is championing sports excellence and reinforcing its global leadership in eco-friendly event management.