National Games Of India 2023 Opening Ceremony: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Gala Event - As It Happened

The 37th National Games Of India have officially been declared open in Fatorda, Goa on Thursday, October 26, 2023. The multi-sport event saw a grand opening ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with a five-hour long programme, including 600 artistes who performed at the arena. The likes of Sukhwinder Singh and Hema Sardesai performed at the ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the National Games. Goa-born professional windsurfer Katya Ida Coehlo, along with India men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, handed over the torch to the Prime Minister. (Full Coverage | Sports News)

Goa is hosting the Games for the first time. Five cities - Mapusa, Margao, Panjim, Ponda and Vasco (and Delhi for the cycling events) - will together host all the sporting action. Over 10,000 Indian athletes will compete across 42 disciplines, making this edition the biggest in history.

9:20pm: Grand Ceremony Ends
And that's a wrap from the gala opening ceremony in Fatorda. The five-hour-long ceremony draws to a close with an assortment of dance and music performances, and with that, the National Games 2023 are now officially underway.

8:35pm: Cultural Show Resumes
After the athletes' march-past, the cultural programme has resumed as PM Modi makes his way out of the stadium.

8:15pm: Contingents' March-Past
It is now time for the athletes from various states and organizations to march past the dais and around the stadium. As per alphabetical order, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the first contingent to march, followed by Bihar and then Chandigarh.

8pm: Highlights From Modi's Speech 
Below are some of the highlights from PM Modi's address: 

- "The National Games are taking place in Goa when Indian sports is reaching new heights."

- "No shortage of sports talent in India; the country has produced many champions"

- "Schemes have been introduced to provide financial incentives to sportspersons."

7:45pm: Address By PM Modi
After inaugurating the National Games 2023, PM Narendra Modi is now addressing the crowd.  

7:42pm: Torch Ceremony Underway
India men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and windsurfer Katya Ida Ceohlo have carried the torch to PM Modi, who has inaugurated the 37th National Games in Goa.

7:05pm: Theme Of National Games 2023
The theme of this edition of the National Games is 'One Nation, One Spirit'.

7pm: Address By PT Usha 
IOA president PT Usha is now addressing the spectators and welcoming Narendra Modi to the programme.

6:46pm: PM Modi Enters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has entered the venue and is acknowledging the cheers from the crowd. 

6:30pm: Sukhvinder Singh Live
Singer Sukhvinder Singh is now performing live on stage, in the lead-up to the official inauguration of the multi-sport event.

6:29pm: Mascot 'Moga' Makes Entry
The National Games 2023 mascot 'Moga' has made its entry at the venue.

6:16pm: Address By Anurag Thakur
Sports minister Anurag Thakur is now addressing the gathering at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.  

6:15pm: SOPs Launched
Union sports minister Anurag Thakur launches the SOP booklet of the National Games 2023.

6pm: Ceremony Begins!
The opening ceremony has kicked off in Fatorda, with singer Hema Sardesai belting out popular Hindi numbers to enthuse the crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. 

4:30pm: Medal Tally
Though the National Games 2023 are not officially inaugurated yet, several disciplines are already underway. Maharashtra is leading the medal tally with three gold and 13 overall medals, while Services stand second (3 gold, 2 silver) and Karnataka third (3 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze). 

3:52pm: Three Athletes Injured
A health official said on Thursday that two rugby players and a weightlifter were injured during sports events at the National Games in Goa. Read more about it here.

3:25pm: PM Narendra Modi's Message Ahead Of Atttending The Opening Ceremony
Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said, "Today evening, I will be in Goa to inaugurate the 37th National Games. These games will further sportsmanship and unity, bringing together athletes from across the nation. I am confident the games will celebrate talent, hard work and the love for sports!" Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and others would also be present for the inaugural event, the officials said.

3:14pm: Schedule For The 37th National Games
Below is the sport-wise schedule for the National Games 2023:

Badminton: October 19-24 (Panjim)
Netball: October 22-27 (Panjim)
Gymnastics: October 23-28 (Mapusa)
Basketball: October 23-28 (Margao)
Weightlifting: October 25-29 (Panjim)
Rugby: October 25-27 (Panjim)
Pencak Silat: October 26-29 (Panjim)
Mallakhamb: October 26-28 (Panjim)
Fencing: October 26-30 (Panjim)
Billiards and Snooker: October 27-30 (Mapusa)
Football (Women): October 27-November 5 (Vasco)
Rowing: October 28-30 (Mapusa)
Beach Football: October 28-November 1 (Margao)
Beach Handball: October 28-November 1 (Panjim)
Aquatics: October 29-November 4 (Panjim)
Athletics: October 29-November 3 (Panjim)
Table Tennis: October 29-Movember 2 (Panjim)
Hockey: October 30-November 8 (Mapusa)
Football (Men): October 30-November 8 (Margao)
Rollball: October 30-November 2 (Margao)
Sepak Takraw: October 30-November 3 (Margao)
Tennis: October 30-November 5 (Margao)
Gatka: October 31-November 2 (Panjim)
Taekwondo: October 31-November 3 (Ponda)
Boxing: November 1-November 8 (Mapusa)
Lawn Bowls: November 1-November 8 (Vasco)
Squash: November 1-November 5 (Vasco)
Mini Golf: November 1-November 3 (Panjim)
Wrestling: November 1-November 3 (Panjim)
Wushu: November 1-November 4 (Panjim)
Shooting: November 2-November 9 (Mapusa)
Cycling (Track race): November 2-November 5 (Delhi)
Rowing (Coastal/Tidal/Sport): November 3-November 6 (Panjim)
Yachting: November 3-November 8 (Panjim)
Beach Volleyball: November 4-November 7 (Panjim)
Kabaddi: November 4-November 8 (Panjim)
Triathlon: November 4-November 7 (Panjim)
Handball: November 4-November 8 (Margao)
Canoeing and Kayaking: November 4-November 7 (Mapusa)
Kho-Kho: November 4-November 8 (Ponda)
Golf: November 5-November 9 (Delhi)
Lagori: November 5-November 6 (Panjim)
Yogasana: November 5-November 9 (Panjim)
Sqay Martial Arts: November 6-November 8 (Margao)
Judo: November 6-November 8 (Panjim)
Kalaripayattu: November 7-November 8 (Panjim)
Cycling (road race): November 8-November 9 (Vasco)

3:12pm: Greetings
Greetings and welcome to the live updates of the 37th National Games Of India Opening Ceremony