New Delhi: Indigenous sports Mallakhamba and Yogasana will mark its debut at the National Games as it will see 36 sports and participation from all States and Union Territories as it seeks to promote the theme, ‘Sports for Unity’, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said on Wednesday.
The National Games will take place between September 27 – October 10 in six cities of the State – Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar.
In the edition held in Kerala, there were 33 sports on the roster. In another first and continuing with the country’s push towards promoting indigenous sports as seen in the recently concluded Khelo India Youth Games, Mallakhamba and Yogasana have been included in the schedule.
Elaborate plans have been laid out by the Gujarat Olympic Association in consultation with the IOA to build up support for the Games.
Sharing his thoughts on the national event Rajeev Mehta, Secretary General, IOA, said: “These are going to be the best ever National Games by far. The Gujarat Government is ably supported by their State Olympic Association and other officials already working day and night to make the Games a spectacle for fans as well as a showcase of Gujarat’s ability, infrastructure, culture, and traditions.
“The IOA is and will always stand steadfastly by them to ensure proper coordination on technical matters as well as sharing experience and expertise wherever necessary.”
The Games due to various reasons are happening after a gap of five years. Services Sports Promotion Board topped the medal charts in each of the three previous editions.
List of Sports at the National Games:
Aquatics, Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing Canoeing & Kayaking Cycling Fencing, Football, Gymnastics, Golf, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Kabbadi, Kho-Kho, Lawn Bowl, Mallakhamba, Netball, Roller Skating, Rowing, Rugby 7s, Shooting, Soft Ball, Soft Tennis, Squash, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Wushu, Yogasana
