PM Narendra Modi wishes athletes ahead of National Games

New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his best wishes to all the participating athletes in the 35th National Games starting in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

"My best wishes to all athletes participating in the 35th National Games that commence today in Kerala," the Prime Minister said.

The 15-day event will see top sportpersons from around the country competing in various disciplines to showcase and prepare the best talent for the future.

Many top stars have decided the give the mega-event a skip but cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who is the Games' Goodwill Ambassador, is set to kickstart the opening ceremony.

The Games will kickoff with Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu as the chief guest.

Also expected to be there are Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and legends such as PT Usha among others.

The opening ceremony will feature over 5000 artists and the Games flame will be lit jointly by Usha and Anju Bobby George after being received from Tendulkar at the Greenfield stadium.