NCC National Games 2013: Delhi

   The National Cadet Corps, the worlds largest uniformed youth organization, celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1997. NCC National Games were held as part of the celebrations wherein Football, Hockey and Athletics were included in the event. These competitions at the national level were received with tremendous enthusiasm by the cadets and hence more games continued to get added to the spectrum of events. In the subsequent years, the format was changed to the conduct of different games at the regional levels

   This year onwards, the NCC National Games will be conducted in a centralized format at Delhi. It was felt that conduct of a centralized mega event will expose the talented sportspersons amongst NCC Cadets to get a feel of major sporting event and thus prepare them with requisite match temperament and further their sporting careers. An added aim has also been to showcase and promote low cost indigenous games such as Kabbadi and Kho-Kho. The Services and SAI are providing every possible assistance to the NCC for smooth conduct of the games.

   The beloved mascot ‘Shera’ of Delhi Common Wealth Games 2010 was adapted as mascot for the ‘First NCC National Games-2013”, with subtle modifications of including a NCC logo on the chest and a NCC Cap. ‘Shera” was considered an appropriate mascot for the First NCC National Games as it represents – aggressiveness, agility, speed and vigour; all requisite traits in a NCC Cadet.

   The NCC games are being conducted from 19 to 27 Oct 2013. The Opening Ceremony of the game is being conducted at Garrison Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt on 19 Oct and the games will be opened by Lt Gen Bhalla, DG NCC. A grand closing ceremony is planned for the 27 Oct 2013at the same venue and will be graced by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony and Minister of State for Defence Shri Jitendra Singh. The highlights of the closing ceremony include Helicopter Aerobatic display by Sarang Team from Indian Air Force, Skydivers from Akash Ganga, Motorcycle display by Indian Army Dare Devils Team, Band display by Pipe and Brass Bands of the three services and Cultural programme by Cadets of Delhi, Maharashtra and Punjab.

   The NCC National Games 2013 will have seven disciplines to include Football, Hockey, Athletics, Table Tennis, Kabbadi, Kho-Kho and Shooting. Football will be played at various venues with semi-finals and finals at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium on 25 and 26 Oct 2013. Hockey will be conducted in Major Dhyan Chand Stadium with semi-finals and finals on 25tand 26 Oct 2013. Table Tennis will be held in Indira Gandhi Stadium and Athletics in Jawahar Lal Stadium with finals on 24 Oct 2013. Nearly 2100 cadets from 17 state Directorates will be participating in these sporting event.

   The NCC National Games is slated to be an annual feature hereinafter. It is intended to enhance the aim and scope of the event in the coming years by addition of games such as Badminton, Volleyball and Basketball.

PIB