36th National Games

• 01 Oct 2022

Why in News?

Recently, the 36^th National Games was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in Gujarat.

What are the National Games?

• Background: The Olympic movement, which garnered the attention of the nation in the 1920s, includes the National Games. The National Games in India were first envisioned as the Indian Olympic Games with the goal of promoting Olympic sports in the nation.
  • The first edition of the Indian Olympic Games at Lahore in an undivided Punjab in 1924.
  • The Indian Olympic Games were named as National Games beginning in 1940. This competition sets athletes from several Indian states with one another in a variety of sporting disciplines.
• Objectives:
  • They are held for the benefit of Indian athletes, sports organisations etc.
  • They help in raise awareness among states/UT's about the necessity of developing internationally grade sports infrastructure.
  • It attempts to attract a wide number of youths to participate in sports activities.
  • It aims to inculcate sports culture in individuals from all walks of life and educate them on the value of sports in building a healthy society.
• Jurisdiction: The duration and the regulations of the National Games are entirely within the jurisdiction of the Indian Olympic Association.

What are the key Highlights of 36^th National Games?

• Event: The National Games, being held after seven years, will witness India’s best athletes compete in 36 disciplines in six cities of Gujarat.
• Mascot: The Official mascot for the 36th National Games is “SAVAJ”, it portrays a sportsman’s most prominent personality traits of self-confidence, vigour, a strong sense of motivation, an inner desire to succeed, a strong sense of focus, a natural leader, and a goal setter
  • Savaj- taranhar(તારણહાર) in gujarati means “Savior” in English. Savaj is the representation of The Asiatic Lion, which today survives only in wild India.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the 32nd Summer Olympics:

1. The official motto for this Olympics is ‘A New World’.
2. Sport Climbing, Surfing, Skateboarding, Karate and Baseball are included in this Olympics.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

• The Games of the 32^nd Summer Olympiad (Tokyo 2020) were held from 23 July to 8 August 2021. The Olympics have been held every four years since 1948.
• However, Tokyo Olympic 2020 was not held after four years as it was postponed for 2021, because of Covid pandemic.
• The official motto for Olympics 2020 was “United by Emotion”. The motto emphasised the power of sport to bring together people from diverse backgrounds of every kind and allow them to connect and celebrate in a way that reaches beyond their differences. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• A total of 46 Olympic Sports were contested at the Tokyo 2020 Games including Rugby, Sport Climbing, Fencing, Football, Skateboarding, Handball, Surfing, Karate, Baseball, among others. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Source: IE