NATIONAL GAMES- 36^TH EVENT

Why in News?

 Recently, the 36^th National Games was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in Gujarat.

What are the National Games?

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. This competition sets athletes from several Indian states with one another in a variety of sporting disciplines.

Objectives:

• They are held for the benefit of Indian athletes, sports organisations etc.
• They help in raise awareness among states/UT's about the necessity of developing internationally grade sports infrastructure.
• It attempts to attract a wide number of youths to participate in sports activities.
• It aims to inculcate sports culture in individuals from all walks of life and educate them on the value of sports in building a healthy society.

Key Highlights of 36^th National Games

Event: 

The National Games, being held after seven years, will witness India’s best athletes compete in 36 disciplines in six cities of Gujarat.

Mascot: 

The Official mascot for the 36th National Games is “SAVAJ”, it portrays a sportsman’s most prominent personality traits of self-confidence, vigour, a strong sense of motivation, an inner desire to succeed, a strong sense of focus, a natural leader, and a goal setter

Savaj- taranhar ingujarati means “Savior” in English. Savaj is the representation of The Asiatic Lion which today survives only in wild India.