PM’s Visit to Devbhoomi: A Memorable Moment for Athletes – Dhami
Ranvir Singh
Dehradun (Utrakhand): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is arriving this evening to inaugurate the 38th National Games. On this occasion, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami shared on social media: “Heartfelt welcome to our esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand for the inauguration of the 38th National Games. This historic occasion is an unforgettable and proud moment for every athlete as the PM graces the land of Uttarakhand.”
Dhami highlighted that under PM Modi’s leadership, awareness of sports has grown significantly in the country. His efforts have provided the youth with a major platform to showcase their talent. The PM’s guidance has also led India to achieve remarkable success in various sports on global stages.
Grand Opening by PM Modi
The grand opening of the 38th National Games will be held this evening in Devbhoomi. Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha and several distinguished guests have already arrived in the capital. Uttarakhand Sports Minister Rekha Arya mentioned that state-of-the-art equipment has been sourced from countries recognized for their world-class quality. All installations are complete, and facilities like international-grade sports grounds and a cycling velodrome have been developed.
Uttarakhand Hosts National Games for the First Time
This is the first time Uttarakhand is hosting the National Games in its history. The event is expected to welcome a total of 16,000 participants, including players and staff.
Key sports include:
Athletics: 700 players
Triathlon: 128
Kho-Kho: 240
Wushu: 390
Shooting: 400
Badminton: 240
Football: 352
Rafting: 136
Rugby: 192
Weightlifting: 160
Other sports like boxing, yoga, archery, rowing, hockey, table tennis, fencing, and cycling will also feature prominently.
Day-Night Preparations
Special arrangements have been made for day-night competitions, with matches starting as early as 6 AM and running late into the night. Advanced lighting systems, controlled via computer, ensure optimal gameplay without shadows or distractions. These lights provide a natural ambiance, creating a seamless experience for athletes in sports like athletics, rugby, archery, football, and hockey.
Cultural Extravaganza
Bollywood singer Jubin Nautiyal, Pawandeep Rajan, and the Pandavaas Band will be key attractions during the event. Around 1,000-1,500 lights have been installed to deliver a spectacular light show, accompanied by fireworks, adding grandeur to the opening ceremony.
A 60-foot-high video wall is being set up in the center of the field, offering visibility to every corner. Surrounding this video wall at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium will be a three-level stage where 3,000-4,000 artists will perform at different intervals.
A Gathering of 25,000 Attendees
The grand opening ceremony will witness around 25,000 attendees, including 20-25 athletes and sports officials from various states. The event will feature an athlete parade, with Prime Minister Modi inspecting and receiving salutes from the participants, making it a truly unforgettable occasion for the nation’s sporting community.
