37th National Games 2023 (राष्ट्रीय खेल) to be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in Goa: Latest updates, logo, theme

37^th National Games 2023 (Goa, Panaji, IOC, Moga, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Pramod Sawant, Shri Govind Gaude, P T Usha, Yoga, Mallakhamb, Lagori, Sqay Martial arts, Pencak Silat, Olympics, Govt of Goa, 36^th edition, 38^th edition, Gatka)  

The 37^th edition of the National Games of India will be held from 25^th of October to the 9^th of November this year at Panaji, Goa which will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in India Shri Narendra Modi. This is the first time ever that Goa will be hosting the National Games which will boost the sports culture in the states as Athletes from various domain of the sports will visit the state to compete in various sports activities (which includes both Native and Olympics sports) in this edition .

History of India’s National Games:

The story of the National Games of India started 99 years ago i.e in the year 1924 from Lahore (undivided India) when it was called as “Indian Olympics Games” to prepare a base to the Indian Athletes for the Paris Olympics 1924. In 1940 during the 9^th edition the Games held in Bombay were rename as the National Games. The modern National Games stared from the year 1985 in New Delhi conforming in the manner of Olympics Games. It was cancelled for the first time in the year 2020 due to covid-19 pandemic which was supposed to be held in Goa. The last version i.e the 36^th edition of the Games was held in Gujarat in different venues like Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot and Bhavnagar wherein 7000 athletes participated in 382 events.      

Mascot: “Moga”

The Official Mascot for this edition of the Games is named as “Moga” which represent an Indian Bison (state animal of Goa) which was launched by Shri Pramod Sawant the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium in Taleigao, Goa in an event organized by the Directorate of sports and Youth Affairs and the Sports Authority of Goa. The word “Moga” implies LOVE in Konkani dialect. The Minister of sports of Goa Shri Govind Gaude has describe that the Mascot Moga was selected with an objective to inspire athletes and ignite the passion within sports. The minister also appealed to every sportspersons and athletes to never give up and National Games is not only an event but a strong foundation to the Goan athletes and sportspersons.

Salient Features:

1. This edition of the National Games will witness the biggest ever i.e 37 disciplines ( Yachting, Wushu, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Triathlon, Tennis, Taekwondo, Table Tennis, Squash, Shooting, Takraw, Sepak, Rugby, Rowing, Netball, Modern Pentathlon, Lawn Bowls, Kho Kho, Kabaddi, Judo, Hockey, Handball, Gymnastics, Fencing, Football, equestrian, cycling, Canoeing & kayaking, boxing, Billiards & snooker, Basketball, Baseball, Badminton, athletics, Aquatic)   getting the go ahead.
2. There are possibilities of adding 5 more new disciplines i.e Yoga, Mallakhamb, Lagori, Sqay Martial arts and Pencak Silat.
3. The Govt of Goa will release an amount of Rs 2.54 Cr as grant for the associations and cash prizes of Rs 73 lakhs for the winners.
4. It will also feature a traditional martial form of art known as “Gatka” which is associated with Punjab.    

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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