Exciting days ahead as State ushers in the Games

Union Minister for Urban Development M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday underlined the need for working together as a team to take India forward.

Delivering the inaugural address of the 35th National Games at the greenfield stadium here, Mr. Naidu said “let us work together as a team.”

Rich traditions

He was vocal with his praise on the rich traditions of Kerala sport mentioning the names of a galaxy of stars, including T.C. Yohannan, Suresh Babu, P.T. Usha, Shiny Wilson, M.D. Valsamma and Anju Bobby George, whom he described as national treasures.

Union Minister of State for Sports Sarbananda Sonowal was all praise for Kerala athletes and the initiative taken by authorities to sustain the overall development of Kerala sport through the years.

He hoped that the Games would witness exciting displays which would trigger India’s preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president N. Ramachandran, in his presidential address, echoed the feeling and lauded the State for the Games’ preparations.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, in his welcome address, said the opening ceremony was a big occasion in the history of the State and that future generations would recall the day with great pride. “It is quite clear that we can achieve a lot if we work with determination. The preparations for the Games are a good lesson on this account,” he added.

“It is one of the happiest days in my life,” said Sports Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, in his introductory address.

Sachin to the fore

However, the showstopper was none other than cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. The standing ovation he received as he stepped forward to receive the games torch from K.M. Beenamol and hand it over to P.T. Usha and Anju Bobby George being a good account of the popularity he enjoys among the masses.