The 38th National Games officially commenced in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, marking a major milestone in Indian sports. The event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasised unity, sustainability, and the growing prominence of sports in national development.
With the theme ‘Green Games’, the 2025 edition introduces eco-conscious initiatives, including medals made from e-waste and the planting of trees for every medal won. Competitions will span across 35 sports disciplines, with over 10,000 athletes participating from 36 states and one union territory. The Games will run until 14 February, with events spread across 11 cities in eight districts of Uttarakhand.
This year’s National Games are unique for integrating sustainability with sports. For the first time, traditional Indian sports like Yoga and Mallakhamb have been included in the lineup. Additionally, the creation of a Sports Forest, where 10,000 saplings will be planted by athletes and guests, aligns with the event’s eco-friendly ethos.
Prime Minister Modi praised these efforts during the inauguration, noting that the National Games serve as a platform for fostering national unity and showcasing India’s cultural and athletic diversity.
Hosting the National Games for the first time, Uttarakhand is leveraging the event to highlight its potential as a hub for sports and tourism. The state, which is celebrating the silver jubilee of its formation, is using the Games to drive local economic growth, promote adventure tourism, and create job opportunities for its youth.
Key venues across Dehradun, Haridwar, and Chamoli have been equipped to host events ranging from athletics to traditional Indian sports.
The National Games reflect India’s growing investment in sports at both grassroots and international levels. Over the past decade, schemes like Khelo India and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) have helped nurture talent, leading to significant improvements in medal tallies at international events.
India is also making a strong bid to host the 2036 Olympics, which could further enhance the country’s global sports profile. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the wider economic benefits of hosting the Olympics, from infrastructure development to boosting tourism.
Uttarakhand’s hosting of the Games is expected to boost local tourism, with an influx of visitors for both sports and leisure activities. Beyond the Games, the state aims to capitalise on its potential for adventure sports and winter tourism, alongside the Char Dham Yatra.
Officials emphasised that the infrastructure upgrades for the Games will have long-term benefits for local athletes and sports enthusiasts, providing world-class facilities for training and competition.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Host State | Uttarakhand |
| Event Dates | January 28 – February 14, 2025 |
| Theme | Green Games |
| Tagline | Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat |
| Mascot | Mauli |
| Key Venue | Maharana Pratap Sports Complex, Dehradun |
| Other Venues | Pavallion Ground Sports Complex, Haridwar, Nainital, Rudrapur, Haldwani, New Tehri, Shivpuri |
| Organisers | Uttarakhand Olympic Association, Government of Uttarakhand, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Indian Olympic Association |
| Host Selection | Awarded to Uttarakhand during the 2023 National Games |
| Teams | 37 (including all states and Union Territories) |
| Total Athletes | Over 11,340 athletes |
| Core Sports | 36 main disciplines including Aquatics, Badminton, Football, Boxing, etc. |
| Demonstration Sports | Kalaripayattu, Mallakhamb, Rafting, Yogasana |
| Website | 38th National Games |
About the Mascot Mauli
Mauli, the official mascot of the 38th National Games of India, represents the spirit and culture of Uttarakhand. Inspired by the region’s natural beauty and heritage, Mauli is designed to symbolise the state’s vibrant energy, youthful enthusiasm, and unity. The mascot embodies the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and aims to inspire athletes and visitors to embrace the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and sustainability that will define the 2025 games.
What Modi said on Inauguration of the National Games?
- PM Modi highlighted that the National Games showcase India’s unity, stating it is a celebration of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, reflecting the nation’s diversity and strength.
- He praised the inclusion of environmentally-friendly initiatives like using e-waste for medals and planting trees for every medal winner.
- Modi emphasized the importance of sports in India’s holistic development, noting that sports contribute significantly to the nation’s growth, including its growing sports economy.
- He expressed confidence in India’s potential to host the 2036 Olympics, a milestone that would elevate Indian sports to global heights.
- Modi also acknowledged the success of sports programmes like Khelo India, helping athletes across the country reach their potential.
