PM Narendra Modi inaugurates 36th National Games

AHMEDABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday declared the 36th National Games open at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. During the event, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the world-class "Swarnim Gujarat Sports University" in Desar.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister said that the exhilarating atmosphere at the inauguration of the National Games was beyond words and added that the feeling and energy of such a grand event are beyond words.

"At the world's largest stadium, such a young country in the world, and the biggest sports festival in the country! When the event is so wonderful and unique, its energy ought to be so extraordinary", the Prime Minister remarked.

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, Bollywood celebrities and several prominent sportspersons attended the inauguration ceremony. Captain Sreesankar and team chief de mission V. Diju carried Kerala's flag during the march past. The Games will last until October 12.

• 6- This year's National Games will be held across six cities of Gujarat. Ahmedabad, Surat, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Vadodara, Bhavnagar. Only track cycling events will be held in Delhi.
• 2000 crores- Stadiums were set up for the National Games at a cost of Rs. 2000 crores
• 8000- About eight thousand athletes in 36 sports will compete in the Games.
• 599- This time Kerala is fielding a 599-member team including 436 sportspersons and 123 officials.
• 696- Host Gujarat is the biggest team. There are 696 people in the Gujarat team.