Padma Shri Dr PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association and Member of Parliament, inaugurated the first-ever National Maritime Games 2025 at Indian Maritime University (T.S. Chanakya Campus), Navi Mumbai. The grand opening ceremony, celebrating athletic excellence and maritime unity, saw the presence of top leaders from the maritime and sporting community.

Organised by the Directorate General of Shipping, with support from premier maritime institutions such as the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), and Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA), the multi-disciplinary sports event is being held from March 24 to April 4, 2025.

The competition features over 20 indoor and outdoor sports, including athletics, badminton, carrom, cricket, cyclothon, chess, golf, futsal, maritime 5K/10K run, pickleball, rowing (indoor), swimming, table tennis, and walkathon. More than 70 maritime organisations are participating across multiple venues in Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, and Ulwe, showcasing the strength, resilience, and camaraderie of India’s maritime professionals.

Expressing her delight at merging the maritime sector with sports, Olympian PT Usha inspired cadets and athletes with her motivational words.
"Sports is a universal language, promoting fitness and forging friendships beyond competition. True sportsmanship overrides everything. In the arena of sport, every participant is a winner—not just in medals, but in courage, discipline, and integrity," said PT Usha, who famously missed an Olympic bronze in the 400m hurdles by just 1/100th of a second at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Overwhelmed by the maritime industry's enthusiasm, Deependra Singh Bisen, deputy DG of shipping said, "The inaugural Maritime Games showcase our shared passion, and I look forward to seeing this spirit grow."

Photo Cover: Dr PT Usha, President of Indian Olympics Association motivating the gathering and future champions with her words of wisdom during the inaugural edition of National Maritime Games

Photo Above: (L to R clockwise) Dr PT Usha being accorded Guard of Honour, A athlete lights the Games flame at the end of the Torch relay  and The grand opening ceremony was graced by an eminent gathering of leaders from the maritime and sporting fraternity