36th National Games

Facts for Prelims

36th National Games

News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially declared open the 36th National Games in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The Games, which started on September 29, will continue till October 12. Gujarat is hosting the National Games for the first time. In this edition, about 7,000 athletes from 28 states and eight Union territories are competing for medals in 36 events.

Background:
• The Olympic movement, which garnered the attention of the nation in the 1920s, includes the National Games. The National Games in India were first envisioned as the Indian Olympic Games with the goal of promoting Olympic sports in the nation.
• The first edition of the Indian Olympic Games at Lahore in an undivided Punjab in 1924.The Indian Olympic Games were named as National Games beginning in 1940. 

Key Details about 36th National Games:
• The National Games, being held after seven years, will witness India’s best athletes compete in 36 disciplines in six cities of Gujarat.
• The Official mascot for the 36th National Games is “SAAVAJ”, it portrays a sportsman’s most prominent personality traits of self-confidence, vigor, a strong sense of motivation, an inner desire to succeed, a strong sense of focus, a natural leader, and a goal setter
• Saavaj in Gujarati means Cub. The mascot represents India’s cultural heritage, while also giving a glimpse of the rapidly growing India, which is set to become a world leader again.