Xtra Time Web Desk: Honourable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi declared the opening of 36th National Games at Ahmedabad at a glittering ceremony on Thursday. A galaxy of sport stars including double Olympic Medallist PV Sindhu, Olympic Gold Medallist Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu attended the openin g ceremony at Narendra Modi stadium.
Around 7000 athletes from 28 states and eight union territories along with the Services – sports team of the Indian Armed Forces are participating. Overall, there are 36 sporting events in the National Games Roster. The closing ceremony of the Games will take place on October 12
A host of Singers like Shankar Mahadevan, Mohit Chauhan, Bhumik Shah, Ishani Dabe enthralled the crowd with their musical performances. These performances were followed by PM Narendra Modi’s arrival and he declared the Games Open. He also inaugurated Gujarat’s Sports University.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Modi said, “Respect in the world has a direct connection with sports. Most of the countries that are on top in the world in development and economy today also top the medals table. The strong performance of the players in the field of play encourages other areas as well. Sports is also a source of ‘soft power’ in the world.”