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Vijayawada to Host the 2029 National Games of India

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 21:32 GMT by The Hans India

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Vijayawada Set to Host the 2029 National Games of India

In a landmark announcement that has energized the sporting community across the country, the government of Andhra Pradesh confirmed that Vijayawada will be the host city for the 2029 National Games of India. This decision, announced by the state’s Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, marks the second time that the state will play host to the nation’s premier multi‑sporting event, following its successful staging of the 2013 National Games in the same city.

The Decision That Sets the Stage

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) signed a letter of intent with the Andhra Pradesh Sports Development Authority (APSD) on 5 March 2024, formally awarding the 2029 edition of the National Games to Vijayawada. The government’s decision was endorsed by the then‑President of India, whose statement highlighted the state’s “stellar infrastructure, enthusiastic citizenry, and robust organisational capacity” as key factors in the selection.

The announcement was followed by a brief ceremony at the APSD headquarters, where the state’s Chief Minister reiterated the commitment to ensuring that the Games would be a “model of excellence, heritage, and sportsmanship.” An accompanying press release detailed the planned budget, venue distribution, and timelines for the various phases of the event.

Venues and Infrastructure

The 2029 National Games will be hosted across three primary cities—Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Kurnool—each providing a blend of existing sports complexes and newly constructed facilities:

In addition to these main venues, the state will deploy temporary modular structures—especially for sports requiring specialized fields or mats—to ensure that the event can accommodate all 40 scheduled sports disciplines.

Funding, Budget, and Economic Impact

The APSD earmarked ₹12 crore (approximately US$1.6 million) for the preparation and execution of the Games, with an additional ₹8 crore from the central government through the Sports Authority of India (SAI). This combined allocation is earmarked for infrastructure upgrades, athlete accommodation, security, and logistics.

The state government estimates that the Games will generate a direct economic impact of ₹50 crore (roughly US$6.8 million) in the local economy, a figure derived from projected spending by athletes, officials, sponsors, and spectators. In the long term, the newly built venues and upgraded facilities are expected to provide a lasting legacy that will spur youth participation and support the state’s ambition to become a “sporting hub” of India.

Calendar and Sports Programme

The 2029 National Games are slated for September–October 2029, spanning 20 days. The event will feature 40 sports disciplines, ranging from mainstream Olympic sports like athletics, swimming, and gymnastics to traditional Indian games such as kabaddi, kho kho, and wrestling.

An official schedule—released by the National Sports Development Board (NSDB)—highlights the opening ceremony on 2 September, the athletics phase in the first week, and the culmination with the closing ceremony on 22 September. All 28 states and 8 Union Territories are expected to field teams, with a projected total of 10,000 athletes and 2,500 officials.

Legacy and Long‑Term Vision

The decision to host the National Games in Vijayawada aligns with the Andhra Pradesh government’s broader sports development strategy, which focuses on:

1. Youth Development: Leveraging the Games to identify and nurture talent from a young age, thereby feeding the pipeline for national and international competitions.
2. Infrastructure Utilisation: Maximising the use of newly built and upgraded venues to serve as training hubs for local schools, colleges, and community clubs.
3. Economic Boost: Encouraging tourism, hospitality, and related sectors through sustained event activity and subsequent sports tourism.

“We are not just hosting an event; we are sowing the seeds for the next generation of Indian athletes,” said the Sports Minister in a statement released alongside the announcement. “The infrastructure and programmes we are building will keep on giving, long after the closing ceremony.”

Context: The National Games of India

The National Games, first held in 1924 as the Indian National Games, are a bi‑annual multi‑sporting festival that gathers athletes from across the nation. They are overseen by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and serve as a crucial platform for talent identification, selection for international championships, and national team training.

Previous editions—such as the 2021 Games in Patna (postponed from 2020) and the 2027 Games in Nagpur—have showcased India’s ability to host large‑scale sporting events that foster national pride and international visibility.

In Summary

The 2029 National Games of India will be a testament to Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to sports excellence and infrastructural development. With Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Kurnool as key hosts, the event will not only elevate the state’s profile on the national stage but also leave a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations. From state‑of‑the‑art venues to significant economic boosts, the Games are poised to become a milestone in India’s sporting calendar—one that reaffirms the country’s growing prowess in nurturing talent and hosting world‑class events.