PM Modi opens National Games in Goa, says India ready for Olympics

LET'S CELEBRATE SPORTS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the 37th National Games in Goa. He said the event will inspire next generation of athletes.

LIGHTING THE NIGHT

With an inspiring performance of Mallakhamb, a symphony of 37 percussion instruments, and soulful renditions by renowned singers from Goa and India, the opening ceremony of the National Games was a mesmerising spectacle.

RAISING THE BAR

Indian playback singer Sukhwinder Singh electrified the stadium with his powerful and soulful hits that had the audience off the chairs and dancing.

LIGHT UP

In a spectacular show, a female handed the Games torch to the torchbearers from an air balloon and the latter then passed it to PM Narendra Modi.

CAMERA MOMENT

Students, government employees and athletes participated in the opening ceremony at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda with zeal.

HIGH & MIGHTY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor of Goa P S Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur and President of Indian Olympic Association Dr P T Usha were among the dignitaries at the opening ceremony.

NOT TOO PERFECT

The glittering ceremony was not without its flaws, and the sound quality exposed the last-minute preparations.

NEXT: Game on, but Goa still getting ready for National Games