National Games History

From the inaugural Indian Olympic Games in 1924 to the modern National Games, explore the rich heritage of India's premier multi-sport competition that has shaped generations of athletes and sporting excellence.

COMPLETE NATIONAL GAMES TIMELINE

1924

I Indian Olympic Games

LAHORE

The inaugural games that started the tradition of multi-sport competition in India

1926

II Indian Olympic Games

LAHORE

Second edition building momentum for the Olympic movement

1928

III Indian Olympic Games

LAHORE

Third consecutive games in Lahore, establishing the format

1930

IV Indian Olympic Games

ALLAHABAD

First games outside Lahore, expanding geographical reach

1934

V Indian Olympic Games

CALCUTTA

Moving to eastern India, growing national participation

1936

VI Indian Olympic Games

BOMBAY

Western India hosts as the movement spreads across regions

1938

VII Indian Olympic Games

CALCUTTA

Return to Calcutta, the last games before being renamed

1940

IX National Games

BOMBAY

First edition officially called National Games

1985

Modern National Games

NEW DELHI

First National Games on Olympic lines in post-independence India

Modern National Games

Summer National Games

The premier multi-sport event featuring athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and various Olympic sports disciplines.

Winter National Games

Showcasing winter sports and promoting sports culture in India's mountainous regions and cold climates.

Legacy and Impact

100+
Years of Sporting Heritage
30+
Host Cities Across India
1000+
Olympic Dreams Nurtured

The National Games continue to serve as the primary platform for identifying and nurturing Olympic talent, maintaining the vision of the founding pioneers while adapting to modern sporting requirements and infrastructure development across India.