National Games returns, after seven years: Six Gujarat cities to host event

August 25, 2022

Sports

Reference: https://sportstar.thehindu.com/other-sports/national-games-2022-in-gujarat-from-september-27-to-october-10/article65801183.ece

The 2022 National Games of India will be held in Gujarat from September 27 to October 10 2022. India’s prestigious multi-event sporting showcase returns after a gap of seven years. It was last held in Kerala in 2015.

Where will National Games 2022 be held?

The National Games will be held across six cities of Gujarat — Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot and Bhavnagar. Gujarat will host the National Games for the first time. This will be the 36th edition of the National Games, and an estimated 7,000 athletes will take part across 36 sporting disciplines. The Games will see participation from all 28 states and eight Union Territories, as it seeks to promote the theme, ‘Sports for Unity’.

What happened at the previous National Games in 2015?

At the 35th Games in Kerala, Services (91 gold) topped the medal tally, followed by Kerala and Haryana. Kerala swimmer Sajan Prakash emerged as the top athlete with eight medals including six gold and two silver.

Why was there a seven-year gap in conducting the National Games?

After Kerala in 2015, Goa was to host the 36th edition in November 2016. After delays in 2018 and 2019, the Games were postponed to 2020. COVID-19 then forced the postponement of the National Games and the Goa government was not certain it would be able to host the event this year.

Indigenous sports in National Games

Indigenous sports Mallakhamba and Yogasana have been included in the event roster in the coming National Games to promote the country’s sporting heritage.

National Games 2022: Full list of 36 events