The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially selected Uttarakhand will host the 38th National Games, scheduled from 28th January to 14th February 2025. This will be a significant moment for the state, which will also host the upcoming Winter Games outside the traditional regions of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh for the first time.
National Games Venue and Details
The 37th National Games recently concluded in Goa (from 25th September to 9th November 2023), and now Uttarakhand is gearing up to host its first Summer National Games. According to the IOA, the specifics of the venues, events, and schedules will be finalized at the General Assembly meeting on 25th October 2024.
A New Beginning for Winter Games
In a historic move, the Winter Games will also take place in Uttarakhand, outside the usual hosts of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Known for its mountainous terrain, Uttarakhand is poised to establish itself as a new destination for winter sports in India.
About the National Games
The National Games of India are a prestigious multi-sport event organized by the Indian Olympic Association. The aim is to identify and nurture sporting talent across the country. The games follow the Olympic model, with athletes often going on to represent India at international events like the Summer Olympics. The National Games have a long history, beginning in 1924 when they were first called the All-India Olympic Games. The name was changed to National Games in 1940 during the 9th edition in Bombay (now Mumbai).
Evolution of the National Games
Originally, the National Games were held every two years. However, from the 25th edition onwards, the games have been held irregularly due to logistical challenges. The upcoming 38th edition in 2025 will be the next major sporting event in India.
List of National Games Editions
| Edition | Year | Host City/State |
| 1 | 1924 | Lahore (now in Pakistan) |
| 2 | 1926 | Lahore |
| 3 | 1928 | Lahore |
| 4 | 1930 | Allahabad |
| 5 | 1932 | Madras (now Chennai) |
| 6 | 1934 | New Delhi |
| 7 | 1936 | Lahore |
| 8 | 1938 | Calcutta (now Kolkata) |
| 9 | 1940 | Bombay (now Mumbai) |
| 10 | 1942 | Patiala |
| 11 | 1944 | Lahore |
| 12 | 1946 | Lahore |
| 13 | 1948 | Lucknow |
| 14 | 1952 | Madras (now Chennai) |
| 15 | 1953 | Jubbulpore (now Jabalpur) |
| 16 | 1954 | New Delhi |
| 17 | 1956 | Patiala |
| 18 | 1958 | Cuttack |
| 19 | 1960 | New Delhi |
| 20 | 1962 | New Delhi |
| 21 | 1964 | Calcutta (now Kolkata) |
| 22 | 1966 | Bangalore (now Bengaluru) |
| 23 | 1968 | Madras (now Chennai) |
| 24 | 1970 | Cuttack |
| 25 | 1979 | Hyderabad |
| 26 | 1985 | New Delhi |
| 27 | 1987 | Kerala |
| 28 | 1994 | Bombay (now Mumbai) and Pune |
| 29 | 1997 | Bangalore and Mysore |
| 30 | 1999 | Imphal (Manipur) |
| 31 | 2001 | Punjab |
| 32 | 2002 | Andhra Pradesh |
| 33 | 2007 | Guwahati |
| 34 | 2011 | Jharkhand |
| 35 | 2015 | Kerala |
| 36 | 2022 | Gujarat |
| 37 | 2023 | Goa |
| 38 | 2025 | Uttarakhand |
Uttarakhand Will Host 38th National Games in 2025- Summary
- Uttarakhand will host the 38th National Games from 28th January to 14th February 2025.
- The state will also host the Winter Games, marking the first time these games will be held outside Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
- Details of the venues and events will be confirmed in the IOA General Assembly meeting on 25th October 2024.
- The National Games are a significant multi-sport event modeled on the Olympics and aim to identify India’s top athletic talents.
- Uttarakhand’s hosting will highlight the state’s potential as a new sporting hub.
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
It marks the first time Uttarakhand will host the National Games, and it will also be hosting the Winter Games for the first time outside Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The 38th National Games will be held from 28th January to 14th February 2025.
The National Games are a multi-sport event organized by the Indian Olympic Association to nurture India’s top sporting talents.
The 37th National Games were held in Goa from 25th September to 9th November 2023.
The IOA organizes the National Games and collaborates with state governments to host them, with the aim of promoting athletic talent across India.
The National Games follow the Olympic model, and athletes who excel are often chosen to represent India in the Summer Olympics.
The first National Games, then known as the All-India Olympic Games, were held in 1924 in Lahore. The name was changed to National Games in 1940.
