Ahmedabad: The city of Ahmedabad would soon be developed into the world’s biggest sports city in the world, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah while unveiling the anthem and mascot for the 36th National Games at the EKA Arena, TransStadia here recently. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur also graced the event.

 “Ten years ago, when Narendra Modi ji was the Chief Minister here, he started the Khel Mahakumbh. At that time Gujarat was nowhere in sports on the global map. Now, we have the Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest stadium in the world, and very soon we will have the world’s biggest sports city too,” Shah said, addressing over 10,000 people at the majestic venue.

The Home Minister, who is also the MP from Gandhi Nagar, led a power-packed audience at the glittering curtain-function, including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Thakur. The country’s grandest sporting extravaganza will take place in six cities of Gujarat, from September 29 to October 12.

“We are delighted that the National Games are back after seven years and this one will be the biggest and grandest ever,” Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said. “It normally takes years to organise an event of this scale but Gujarat did this in less than three months. It is all thanks to the efforts of the CM, with IOA supporting our initiative in a big way. Over 12,000 athletes, officials and support staff will enjoy the sporting extravaganza,” he said. /BI/