37th National Games Goa Medal Tally- The 37th National Games of October 26 to November 9, 2023, in Goa was a watershed moment in India’s sporting past.
Having entertained over 10,000 sportspersons from 28 states, eight Union Territories, and the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB), this edition saw top-level talent from 43 sports streams.
Maharashtra swept the overall honors, leading the medal tally for the first time since 1994 with 228 medals featuring 80 gold medals.
Maharashtra Supremacy
Maharashtra athletes gave top-class performances in numerous sports, which led them to bag a staggering medal count:
- Gold Medals: 80
- Silver Medals: 69
- Bronze Medals: 79
- Total Medals: 228
As a reward for this feat, Maharashtra received the coveted Raja Bhalindra Singh Trophy, proclaiming their supremacy in national sports.
Strong Contenders
The contest was tough, with a number of states giving top-class performances:
- Services Sports Control Board (SSCB): Finished second with 66 golds, 27 silvers, and 33 bronzes to get a total of 126 medals.
- Haryana: Held third place with 62 golds, 55 silvers, and 75 bronzes to get a total of 192 medals.
Athletes Who Stole the Show!
Some sports persons presented some great performances, breaking records:
- Srihari Nataraj (Karnataka): Swept the swimming events winning eight golds, a silver, and a bronze, and bagged the best male sportsperson award.
- Sanyukta Prasen Kale (Maharashtra) and Pranati Nayak (Odisha): Both the gymnasts performed out-of-the-world, winning four golds and a silver each, and were declared as the best women sportsperson both.
- Jyothi Yarraji (Andhra Pradesh): The 2022 silver medalist of the Hangzhou Asian Games was a gold medallist at the National Games in the 100m hurdles in a 13.22 seconds record. She was a gold medallist in 4x100m relay representing Andhra Pradesh and was bronze medallist in 200m hurdles.
- Dhinidhi Desinghu (Karnataka): She created waves at 14 by winning seven gold medals in swimming, a new National Games record of 57.87 seconds in the 100m freestyle.
- Tejaswin Shankar (Delhi): The Asian Games silver medalist shattered the new National Games record in the decathlon, achieving 7,199 points.
Steps to Improve Performance in National Games
Athletes and governments interested in excelling in upcoming National Games have to follow the following strategic steps:
Early Talent Identification
Implement grassroots schemes of identification and nurturing of budding sportspeople at an early age.
Infrastructure Development
Build and maintain sporting centers, including training centers and stadiums.
Better Coaching Methods
Implement modern methods of training, sports science, and professional coaches to enhance skills.
Competitive Exposure
Offer exposure through national and international competitions to build experience and toughness.
Financial and Institutional Support
Offer adequate finances, sponsorships, and government funding to support athlete development.
Mental and Physical Conditioning
Offer psychological advice, fitness training, and nutritional plans to maximize performance.
Data-Driven Performance Analysis
Utilize data and technology to track athlete development and enhance training practice.
Emerging Sports and Inclusion
The 37th National Games were unique with the inclusion of several indigenous and new games, which were an accurate reflection of India’s glorious cultural heritage and evolving sporting situation:
- Indigenous Sports: Timeless Indian games like mallakhamb, kho kho, and kabaddi stole the show, highlighting classic sports.
- New Additions: Beach football, roll ball, golf, sepaktakraw, sqay martial arts, kalaripayattu, pencak silat, yachting, and taekwondo sports were introduced into the mix, and the list of competitions became diversified, providing athletes with different platforms on which they could hone their skills.
Impact and Legacy
Organizing the National Games for the first time, Goa used the event to promote its sporting infrastructure and create tourism.
Conduct of the games proved effective as a means to promote for sportmen as well as to inspire the youth of the eras to adopt sports.
The event put the spotlight on sports in uniting, disciplining, and instilling national pride.
FAQs- 37th National Games Goa Medal Tally
Why is Raja Bhalindra Singh Trophy important?
The Raja Bhalindra Singh Trophy is awarded to the unit or state that wins the most gold medals in the National Games, symbolizing championship and sporting excellence in general.
How frequently is the National Games held in India?
The National Games typically take place every two to four years depending on a number of considerations, including the readiness of the hosting state as well as scheduling requirements.
What are the benefits for the host state of conducting National Games?
The infrastructural development of the host state, promotion of tourism, and provision of opportunities for domestic competition to local sportsmen, resulting in regional economic growth and regional pride, are the benefits to the host state.
Conclusion
The 37th Goa National Games showed not only the sporting prowess of Maharashtra but India’s sporting prowess as well.
The event was a success in proving that the country is still committed to supporting sports and building athletes, and there is promise for future events.
Are there any referral programs? Unlock Exclusive Rewards (2025 Review)
