The National Games of India are usually held every:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
2 years
Explanation
The National Games of India are constitutionally mandated to be held once every 2 years (biennially) by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The primary objective of these multi-sport games is to identity, nurture, and promote athletic talent from different states and union territories of India, preparing them for international sporting events like the Olympics and Asian Games.
While the official charter prescribes a 2-year cycle, the historical timeline shows frequent delays due to local logistical challenges, financial constraints, infrastructure readiness, or unprecedented circumstances (like the COVID-19 pandemic). For instance, a long gap occurred between the 35th National Games in Kerala (2015) and the 36th National Games in Gujarat (2022). However, officially and theoretically, the games are designed to happen on a biennial basis, which means every two years.
Key Points
The origin of the National Games dates back to 1924 in undivided India, when they were initially launched as the 'Indian Olympic Games' in Lahore. The name was officially changed to the 'National Games' during the 1940 edition held in Bombay. The state of Goa hosted the 37th edition of the National Games in late 2023, featuring over 40 distinct sports disciplines.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Which sports governing body is responsible for supervising, selecting hosts, and organizing the National Games of India?
Answer: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
Question: In which city were the first-ever Indian Olympic Games (the historical predecessor to the National Games) held in the year 1924?
Answer: Lahore.