Who among the following inaugurated the 38th National Games held in Dehradun in January 2025?

The correct answer is Narendra Modi.

Key Points

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games, held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, in January 2025.
• The event marked the first time Uttarakhand hosted the National Games, showcasing its growing prominence in sports infrastructure and development.
• The National Games are considered one of the most prestigious multi-sport events in India, organized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
• The 38th edition featured participation from athletes across 28 states and 8 Union Territories, competing in a variety of sports disciplines.
• This inauguration highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to promote sports culture and encourage youth participation in sports through initiatives like Khelo India.

Additional Information

• National Games:
  • The National Games of India are a multi-disciplinary sporting event modeled after the Olympics.
  • The first edition of the National Games was held in Lahore in 1924, then called the Indian Olympic Games.
  • The event is conducted by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in collaboration with the host state’s government.
• Uttarakhand’s Sports Development:
  • Hosting the National Games underlined the state’s growing investment in sports infrastructure, such as new stadiums and training facilities.
  • Key initiatives like the Uttarakhand Sports Policy aim to nurture local talent and promote international-level training.
• Khelo India Program:
  • Launched in 2018, Khelo India is a government initiative to strengthen grassroots sports in India.
  • It provides funding and training to young athletes, aiming to create a pipeline of talent for international events.
• Indian Olympic Association (IOA):
  • The IOA is the apex body responsible for organizing the National Games and representing India at the Olympics and other global sporting events.
  • Founded in 1927, it functions as an autonomous body under the International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines.