PM inaugurates 38th National Games; over 10,000 athletes to compete, Yoga and Mallakhamb added

National Games open with focus on scale and sustainability

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games on 28 January, marking the start of a multi-sport event bringing together athletes from across the country. Organisers said more than 10,000 athletes will participate over 17 days, with competitions scheduled across 35 sports disciplines.

The Games are positioned as a major domestic platform for athletes to test form, gain competition exposure and build momentum ahead of international cycles. For host venues, the event typically drives upgrades in facilities, logistics and sports administration capacity.

New additions and “Green Games” theme

Yoga and Mallakhamb have been included for the first time, expanding the event’s mix of modern and traditional disciplines. Officials also flagged a sustainability focus, with medals and certificates planned using eco-friendly materials and a large-scale plantation drive linked to the event’s footprint.

The sustainability pitch aligns with a wider push in Indian sport to modernise infrastructure while keeping events mindful of energy use, waste management and materials. For athletes and federations, these initiatives also offer visibility to sport beyond medal tables.

Why the National Games matter

The National Games often act as a talent barometer, helping administrators identify athletes ready for higher competition and enabling states to benchmark their high-performance systems. Strong performances can translate into selection opportunities, targeted training support and sponsorship attention.

With large participation and multiple venues, the Games also test event management standards—timing systems, officiating, athlete services and broadcast readiness—areas that increasingly determine how effectively India can stage and scale multi-sport competitions.