PM Narendra Modi makes a BIG statement at National Games 2022 opening ceremony: 'Earlier our sportspersons were...'

The one-hour-long show, attended by a star-studded gathering that included Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Honourable Union Minister of Sports Shri Anurag Thakur and the country’s best athletes, was a perfect medley of tradition, modernity and entertainment.

In keeping with Olympic convention, but with a modern twist, Gujarat’s swimming star Maana Patel brought in the symbolic Torch of Unity into the arena and handed it over to the Prime Minister.

Watched and applauded by several current and past sports icons, including Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, Ravi Dahiya, Mirabai Chanu, Gagan Narang, Dilip Tirkey and Anju Bobby George, the Prime Minister placed the Torch on the podium for it to be lit by augmented reality.

"Earlier our sportspersons were participating in 25 disciplines in 100 international events, which has now gone up to 40 disciplines in more than 300 international events. The government is also planning to make use of retired sportspersons` skills to train the new generation.," said PM Modi at the opening ceremony of National Games 2022 in Ahmedabad. 

When the PM rose to speak, a roar as loud as thousand lions echoed in the stadium, underlining his continued popularity in the state. “This sight, this ambience can’t be described in words. In the world’s biggest stadium, one of the world’s youngest countries is witnessing India’s biggest sports festival,” he said.