With over 10,000 athletes competing in a file variety of 43 disciplines, the thirty seventh National Games is all set to open in Goa on Thursday within the backdrop of pristine seashores and a vibrant tradition.

The National Games was revived final 12 months after a spot of seven years and Gujarat hosted the thirty sixth version. Goa was initially scheduled to host the Games in 2016 however was delayed for a variety of causes together with elevating new infrastructure for the multi-sport occasion. The state authorities below chief minister Pramod Sawant, nonetheless, has overcome the challenges and ready the stage for the biggest-ever National Games.

The Games will witness participation from 28 states and eight union territories from Oct 26 to Nov 9. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Games in Margao on Thursday.

Several sports activities reminiscent of seaside soccer, roll ball, sepaktakraw, sqay martial arts, kalaripayattu, and pencak silat will make their debut whereas sports activities like gatka, lagori will deliver native flavour to the Games. The Games might be held throughout 5 cities of Goa — Mapusa, Margao, Panjim, Ponda and Vasco — in 22 venues.

“Goa is very excited to host the National Games. The preparation is over and the Hon’ble Prime Minister is coming for inauguration tomorrow, so definitely athletes and the whole state of Goa is enthusiastically waiting for the Games to open,” stated Sawant.

“This is going to be special and unique Games in terms of most no of disciplines (43), and 49 per cent women’s participation. Besides, there will be local games like lagori, gatka. Then we have mallakhamb, kalaripayattu, yogasana, and being a coastal state, we have coastal and tidal rowing and many beach sports which will bring the local flavour.”

The chief minister feels the National Games might be an amazing enhance for sports activities within the state. “Preparing the infrastructure was a major challenge and that’s why it was delayed but, in my tenure, we have got state-of-the-art infrastructure ready in a short span. In future these sports facilities will be used by our sportspersons. It will also help us to host sporting events and win more medals for the state. The Games will attract more and more youth towards different sports and inculcate a healthy lifestyle.”

“We aim to establish a thriving sports ecosystem in Goa. Just as tourists have long enjoyed our beautiful beaches, we now aim to attract sports enthusiasts from around the globe. Our objective is to elevate sports in Goa to new heights,” stated Sawant