Page 61 - Mann Ki Baat, October 2022

level games in the country before have truly changed. Overall, the
A Multi-event Sporting Success- going for the Commonwealth confidence that an Indian athlete
games, Asian Games, and the has now is unparalleled to what
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36 National Games, Gujarat 2022 Olympics. It’s a great moment we had in our times.
when people from different sports Every sportsperson wishes
come together and interact on to contribute to the pride of the
the national stage. It kicks in nation and gives all the support
the excitement and gives the back in some form or another.
of the country, in a wide array motivation to perform better at I am doing my bit by inspiring
of 36 sports, state-of-the-art the international level as well. young, budding, aspiring players
infrastructure and over 7000+ National Games have their own in the shooting sport through an
athletes gearing up in full swing, unique identity, and their own academy, Gun for Glory, wherein
the National Games 2022 was an space in the ecosystem. And over 1000 players are trained
event as majestic as it could get. therefore, being the pinnacle of every year to excel, in order to
Upholding the theme of ‘Ek sporting success in the country, give to the country some talented
Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ with its the games need to be conducted sports champions, like Elavenil
tagline ‘Celebrating unity through more frequently as it generates Valarivan, the World #1 who went
sports', the games showcased a lot of interest in the State it is on to Tokyo Olympics to represent
the amalgamation of different being conducted in and the youth India and many more.
cultures with sports. Young is motivated to perform and give As many participants and
athletes and sportspersons from their best. sports personalities soaked in
Gagan Narang different regions came together The games are a great the atmosphere encouraged
in this sporting saga, held from 27 stepping stone for young youngsters and enjoyed the
Indian Olympian September to 10 October, 2022. players to sharpen their skills dandiya beats in the Navratri
Sports has scaled up its and give them an experience festivities in Gujarat, the
presence immensely in the which can help them excel at National Games 2022 carved
country. From Khelo India Youth the international level. The scale, a niche on the Indian sports
If one revisits the past, in the Games at the school and university magnitude and quality of the front as a perennial source of
2010 Commonwealth Games, level to Khelo India Winter Games, games have changed immensely encouragement, support and
Gujarat had one medalist who the country is determined to over the years. From staying growth for the aspiring athletes
contributed to India’s success produce sporting champions at in Games’ villages to young of the nation. It truly emerged as
story. Twelve years down the the speed of light, giving them sportspersons staying in hotels a great opportunity for those who
line, the sporting landscape of a chance to represent India on with top-notch facilities, with participated and a victory for
Gujarat has been transformed a global stage. National Games state-of-the-art infrastructure those who not only won medals
completely. Gujarat is now among Gujarat 2022 adds more flavour like electronic targets, same but smashed many national
the top few states of the country. to this ecosystem, for the players as used in the Olympics, times records.
The overall sporting ecosystem and competitors to come and test
in the country has witnessed a their skills. Taking inspiration from
similar growth with impetus from ace Indian sportspersons with the
the Government at all levels likes of Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai
by providing infrastructural, Chanu, PV Sindhu and many
technical and other resources more, players across the country
such as state-of-the-art training compete with full vigour, spirit
facilities, organizing world class and sportsmanship to emerge as
competitions at regional and title-holders.
national levels, etc. And witnessing these
This year, as the Hon’ble champions participate in the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi games is a different charm in itself
officially inaugurated the launch and accords a celebrity status to
with the symbolic ‘Torch of Unity’, the games.
Gujarat, for the first time at a National Games is a much-
magnanimous scale, hosted awaited event among athletes.
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the 36 edition of the National As a sportsperson, one always
Games in India. With over 36 looks forward to the National
States and UTs participating from Games because it is the first-
across the lengths and breadths hand experience of international-
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