The National Games recently made headlines in India with the inauguration of the 36th edition by the Prime Minister in Gujarat. The National Games, a critical part of the Olympic movement that caught the nation’s attention in the 1920s, were initially envisaged as the Indian Olympic Games. Their primary purpose is to espouse the promotion of Olympic sports across the country.
Background of National Games
Originally known as the Indian Olympic Games, the National Games first took place in 1924 in Lahore, in what was then undivided Punjab. The games were subsequently rebranded as the National Games from 1940 onwards. They feature athletes from numerous Indian states competing in a wide range of sporting disciplines.
Objectives of the Games
The National Games serve multiple purposes. They primarily benefit Indian athletes and sports organizations, raising awareness about the need for internationally standard sports infrastructure among states and Union Territories. The games also strive to attract a broad youth demographic to participate in sports activities. Additionally, they aim to foster a culture of sports among individuals from all walks of life and educate them on the role of sports in creating a healthy society.
Jurisdiction
The Indian Olympic Association has full jurisdiction over the duration and rules of the National Games.
Highlights of the 36th National Games
After a seven-year hiatus, the 36th National Games take place across six cities in Gujarat, with the nation’s top athletes competing in 36 disciplines. The official mascot for this event is “SAVAJ,” symbolizing a sportsman’s chief characteristics of self-confidence, strength, motivation, success-focused mindset, leadership, and goal-setting ability. In Gujarati, “Savaj” translates to “Savior” in English and represents the Asiatic Lion, a species only found in the wild in India.
Understanding the Role of National Games in Olympics
Previous UPSC Civil Services Examination questions can give a perspective on the link between the National Games and the Olympics. The 32nd Summer Olympic’s official motto was not ‘A New World’, but ‘United by Emotion’ which emphasizes sport’s power to unify people from all backgrounds, celebrating beyond differences. On the other hand, sports such as Sport Climbing, Surfing, Skateboarding, Karate, and Baseball were indeed part of the Olympics, validating the efficacy of the National Games in promoting Olympic sports across India.
Recent Developments in Olympics
The Games of the 32nd Summer Olympiad (Tokyo 2020) were held from 23 July to 8 August 2021. Since 1948, the Olympics have taken place every four years. However, due to the Covid pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics 2020 was postponed to 2021. A total of 46 Olympic Sports were contested at the Tokyo 2020 Games, including Rugby, Sport Climbing, Fencing, Football, Skateboarding, Handball, Surfing, Karate, Baseball, among others.
