The 38th National Games, being held across the picturesque landscapes of Uttarakhand, have captured the spotlight not only for their thrilling competitions but also for their groundbreaking commitment to sustainability. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 28, 2025, the Games, which run until February 14, are showcasing India's top athletic talent across 35 sports disciplines. A notable element of this year's event is the introduction of medals made from 30% recycled metals sourced from e-waste, reinforcing the theme of 'Green Games.'
Nitin Gupta, CEO and Co-Founder of Attero, the company responsible for providing these sustainable medals, stated, "We are supplying 4,500 units of recycled metals such as gold, silver, copper, and bronze for the National Games for medals.” He elaborated on the environmental significance, explaining, “These recycled metals are as sturdy as virgin metals and significantly reduce India’s import dependency.” By sourcing 70% of the metals from consumer electronics and 30% from automotive e-waste, the initiative aims to minimize carbon emissions—a staggering 300 tons saved during the process.
The second day of the Games was marked by fierce competition and thrilling achievements. Athletes from numerous states displayed exceptional talent and sporting prowess. Weightlifting events highlighted top performers, including Rishikanta Singh from Services, who claimed the gold medal with a total lift of 273 kg in the men's 61 kg category. Gyaneshwari Yadav from Chhattisgarh triumphed with her personal best lift of 191 kg, taking home gold in the women’s 49 kg category.
Notably, Parth Mane from Maharashtra emerged as the men’s 10m air rifle champion, demonstrating impressive skill and composure against seasoned athletes. Just shy of his 17th birthday, Parth secured his place among India's elite by beating Olympic competitors and was delighted to prove his readiness for higher-level competitions. “I wasn’t ever fazed... all my goals will gradually improve,” he remarked post-victory.
The action was not limited to weightlifting; Wushu competitions electrified the atmosphere too, with Isha Gurjan and Mayank Panwar both winning their respective bouts, showcasing the strength of local talent. The swimming events also saw significant performances, such as Kushagra Rawat from Delhi setting a new meet record in the men’s 1500m freestyle.
Team sports brought their own excitement, with Haryana dominating the Men’s Rugby 7s event. Captained by Deepak Punia, they clinched their fourth consecutive gold, solidifying their status as the nation's premier rugby team. Their unbeaten run throughout the tournament saw them shut out West Bengal with impressive scores, reinforcing their championship credentials.
Meanwhile, players from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur shone brightly, with Nyeman Wangsu earning her third consecutive gold medal and T Saya Chanu bringing home gold for Manipur. Chef de Mission Rajchandra Moirangthem praised the efforts of the Wushu athletes: “They worked hard and stayed strong...,” acknowledging their trials during training.
The diversity of events, from individual challenges to team competitions, shows how the National Games serve as both a platform for athletes to exhibit their skills and as a gathering of sporting talent across the country. With the promise of more record-breaking performances, the excitement is palpable as the Games progress.
Looking forward, participants and spectators alike anticipate more heart-stopping moments and potential records. The 38th National Games are shaping up to be not just about winning medals but also about fostering national pride and commitment to innovation and sustainability within India’s sports culture.