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Gujarat has extensively developed sports infrastructure: Guj CM

State well-prepared to host International Level Tournaments and Olympic Games: CM

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• Preparations for National Games underway based on ‘Celebrating Unity through Sports’ theme

• Logo for 36^th National Games to be held in Gujarat launched

• National Games-2022: A tripartite MoU signed for successful planning

• 36 states and Union Territories to compete in 36 sporting events during the 36th National Games

• National Games creates history with arranging 36 events this year, the most in its history

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Gandhinagar, Friday: The logo for 36^th National Games to be held in September this year was unveiled on Friday at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar in the august presence of Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Patel. During the event, Government of Gujarat also inked a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Gujarat State Olympic Association.

Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel reaffirmed Gujarat determination to make this prestigious event a successful one. The state is fortunate as it gets an opportunity after seven long years to host it again, he added.

“This MoU will play a key role in planning out the National Games,” the CM said during the event. “With the support from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Indian is currently witnessing a golden age of sports. Sporting culture, community, and discipline is growing rapidly. Through campaigns such as Fit India, the PM has generated a bond between sports and fitness in the country.”

Guided by the PM, Gujarat has developed the sports infrastructure on a wider scale. Success of the 36^th National Games will make a strong case for Gujarat’s bid to further host international sports tournaments and mega sports events like the Olympic Games.

“Lions of Gir on the logo depict Gujarat’s unique identity. It also embodies the state’s strength and passion for sports,” the CM said hoping that the logo would instill new energy and new enthusiasm among the participating athletes.

Speaking on the tag line for the event ‘Celebrating Unity through Sports’, Shri Bhupendra Patel said that post-independence, Sardar Patel united India by ensuring the accession of princely states. In the same manner, the mantra for 36^th National Games is befitting.

“Under the guidance of the PM Shri Narendra Modi and CM Shri Bhupendra Patel’s strong will to provide the best platform to the youth of the country and the state, Indian National Games 2022 will be organised in Gujarat with the support of Olympic Association, Gujarat State Olympic Association and Government of Gujarat,” Minister of Sports, Youth Service, and Cultural Activities, Shri Harsh Sanghvi said.

Generally, prior preparations of usually around three years are required to host for National Games. However, Gujarat, in a very short period of only three months has made all the arrangements which is a commendable job from the organiser in Gujarat. All the participating athletes will be welcomed in a special way to the state.

According the Shri Sanghvi, planning of National Games became possible due to continuous increase in the budget allocation for sports department in the state. Budget for sports today stands around ₹250 crore, compared to ₹2.5 crore in 2002. In the meantime, Gujarat has also built stadiums and grounds with best advanced infrastructural facilities which has expanded to all districts and cities of the state.

“Gujarat is now ready to host the 36^th National Games. It is going to happen for the first time in the history of the country that athletes from 36 states and Union Territories are going to compete in 36 different sports. Moreover, 36 sports have been included this year, the most in the history of this event,” Acting President of IOA, Shri Anil Khanna said.

“Participating in the National Games is a dream for every athlete, which helps in instilling a sense of sportsmanship, camaraderie and unity among them. The venue and timings for this event have been finalised in a very short duration. Besides, arrangements for players accommodation and food have also been made,” President of Gujarat State Olympic Association, Shri Devendra Solanki said.

“Today, on this special occasion, athletes and people associated to sports management have come here from every corner of the country. Our culture embodies a sense of national unity, integrity, and respect for mutual values and sports contributes to it in a very distinctive manner. Under the guidance of PM Shri Narendra Modi, sports sector has got a new direction and momentum,” Principal Secretary, Department of Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities, Shri Ashwini Kumar said.

During the event, IOA Secretary General Shri Rajiv Mehta, Gujarat State Olympic Association Secretary Shri ID Nanavati, Sports Authority of India Secretary Shri Rohit Bharadwaj, representatives of state and district level organisations, coaches, trainers, talented players, and sports enthusiasts were also present.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat