The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced that the 38th National Games will be hosted by Uttarakhand from January 28, 2025, marking a significant moment in Indian sports history. The event will feature athletes from across the country competing in 32 sports disciplines and 4 demonstration events, combining modern and traditional sports.
The scope had been fixed for 34 sports disciplines by a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Uttarakhand State Olympic Association (USOA) in 2014. But after Uttarakhand confirmed its readiness last year, the IOA and its Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) firmed up the program with 32 core sports and four demonstration events being approved.
The vetted vital games are Athletics, Swimming, Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Football or Soccer (they get paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to work with the union), Gymnastics or Sport Clubs United States of America Hockey Kabaddi rowing shooting Table advocate Vollyball (indoor and sea shore) wrestling; In the same breath, four demonstration events—Kalarippayattu (an Indian martial art), Yogasana, Mallakhamb and Rafting—are meant to highlight India’s ancient cultural heritage vis-a-vis a rising interest in adventure and traditional sports.
P.T. Usha, President of the IOA, felt optimistic about the event: “The National Games in Uttarakhand will be a milestone and provide an opportunity to showcase our traditional as well as modern sports through these incredible venues. “Recognizing India’s rich cultural heritage while opening new avenues for athletes, the inclusion of Kalarippayattu, Yogasana, Mallakhamb and Rafting,”
National Games: A prestigious stage for athletes to showcase their talents on a grand scale, with national winners making a mark globally and going on to represent India at the international level. Barely a year has passed since the 37th National Games in Goa, where as many gold medals were won — including Tamal Nadu’s Bhavani Devi (Fencing), and with much better edition expected at this year’s 38th.
Uttarakhand has planned to put up a robust infrastructure taking full advantage of its scenic landscapes, creating an exciting blend of high-performance sports amid beautiful surroundings. With the host state set to make a mark, the event will be inspiring youth to take up the sports amongst them with an emphasis on being encouraged and ensure that India’s traditional games are maintained.
The countdown to 28 January has begun, and Uttarakhand is all set to welcome athletes, officials and sports enthusiasts for what promises to be a grand celebration of sports and culture.