PM Narendra Modi declares 36th National Games open at dazzling ceremony

Narendra Modi at a glittering opening ceremony on Thursday evening in the presence of over 100,000 ecstatic spectators. In keeping with the Olympic convention, but with a modern twist, Gujarat's swimming star Maana Patel brought in the symbolic Torch of Unity into the arena and handed it over to the Prime Minister.

Watched and applauded by several current and past sports icons, including Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, Olympic medallists PV Sindhu, Ravi Dahiya, Mirabai Chanu, Gagan Narang, former national hockey captain and new HI chief Dilip Tirkey along with World Championship medallist Anju Bobby George, the Prime Minister placed the Torch on the podium for it to be lit by augmented reality.

When the PM rose to speak, a roar as loud as a thousand lions echoed in the stadium, underlining his continued popularity in the state. "This sight, this ambience can't be described in words. In the world's biggest stadium, one of the world's youngest countries is witnessing India's biggest sports festival," he said.

"The sports budget of the country has increased by about 70 percent in the last 8 years. Until 8 years ago, Indian athletes participated in less than 100 international events. Now Indian players participate in more than 300 international events," the PM added. Praising the theme behind the Games anthem, 'Judega India, Jitega India', the Prime Minister said that the National Games would act as a launch pad for every youngster.

(ANI Photo)Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also welcomed the over 7,000-plus athletes from "every corner of the country" on behalf of every Gujarati in the state and the world. In keeping with a time-honoured Olympic custom, 'Ek Bharat', a ceremonial march past, by the athletes of 36