The successful conduct of the 36th National Games in six cities of Gujarat reiterated India’s organizational prowess. Organizing the National Games with just three months’ notice for the country aiming to host the Olympics speaks volumes of its administrative speed. Despite several top athletes withdrawing due to fitness issues, the state and central governments worked together to create a star-studded affair. The participation of Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, Achanta Sharath Kamal, Hima Das, Dutee Chand, Atanu Das and B Sai Praneeth added value. There were some exceptional performances as 38 sports records fell in athletics and 36 in aquatics. Pole vaulters Rosie Meena Paulraj and Shiva Subramaniam, 35km race walker Ram Babu and weightlifter N. Ajith (men’s 73kg) and Sambo Lapung (men’s 96kg) were among the new national scorers. Services continued their dominance as it topped the medal tally with 61 gold, 35 silver and 32 bronze medals to claim the coveted Raja Bhalendra Singh Cup for the fourth time in a row. Maharashtra (39 Gold, 38 Silver and 63 Bronze) stood second and secured the top position among the states. Hosts Gujarat (13 Gold, 15 Silver and 21 Bronze) finished 12th with their best performance. The games spread awareness about various sports in the state mainly known for cricket. Guided tours to the competition sites for the students provided them with the opportunity of a lifetime to see various themes and their symbols.
Swimmers Sajan Prakash (eight medals) and 14-year-old Hasika Ramachandra (seven medals) were named the best male and female athletes. Sajan had claimed the same honor seven years ago in his home state of Kerala. A few others – including 10-year-old Shauryajit Khaire, who went on to become a Mallakhamb star despite losing his father, and boxer Nikhil Dubey, who overcame the tragic death of his coach in a road accident to become the middleweight champion – also made headlines. I fell in , The Games had their share of criticism due to logistical issues, most of which were promptly addressed. The spectacular closing ceremony in Surat, which was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, was a reflection of India’s potential to host the Olympics in the future. The Gujarat National Games showed how a mega event can be organized with smart planning and without spending on infrastructure. As Goa takes over for the 37th edition, it will be interesting to see how this tiny state replicates Gujarat’s success next year.