Navi Mumbai witnessed a grand opening to the National Maritime Games 2025, as legendary athlete Padma Shri Dr. P.T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association and Member of Parliament, inaugurated the event at IMU, Palm Beach Road today.
Addressing a spirited crowd of maritime cadets and athletes, Dr. Usha delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the true essence of sportsmanship:
“In the arena of sport, there are no losers—every participant is a winner. Beyond medals, it’s about courage, discipline, and integrity.”
Expressing her admiration for India’s maritime community, she applauded the unity and dedication of the participants, reinforcing the event’s commitment to fitness and excellence.
A Gathering of Maritime and Sporting Leaders
The opening ceremony was graced by esteemed figures from the maritime and sports sectors. Shyam Jagannath, Director General of Shipping, and Deependra Singh Bisen, Deputy Director General of Shipping, led the host dignitaries. Other notable attendees included:
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DIG Syed Mohammed, Indian Coast Guard
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Captain B.K. Tyagi, Chairman & MD, Shipping Corporation of India
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Pavithran Kallada, Deputy MD, PSA India
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Namdev Shirgaonkar, Secretary General, Maharashtra Olympic Association
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Captain Girish Phadnis, Competition Director, Indian Maritime Games & President, Yachting Association of Maharashtra
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Mrs. Kiran Phadnis, Director, K2K Sports Management, the driving force behind the event
The maritime academic community was also represented by Captain Mihir Chandra, Director of the Indian Maritime University, and Captain Vivek Bhandarkar, alongside industry leaders from the shipping, ports, and logistics sectors.
A Celebration of Sports and Maritime Strength
The National Maritime Games 2025 features over 20 sporting events, including Athletics, Swimming, Table Tennis, Badminton, Cricket, Chess, Golf, Futsal, Pickleball, and Indoor Rowing, promoting fitness and camaraderie within the maritime community.
Adding to the excitement, Dr. Usha is set to visit the Thakur International Sports Complex on March 24 at 9:00 AM, where she will inaugurate the Swimming and Table Tennis events.
As the sun set over Navi Mumbai, the event not only celebrated sportsmanship but also symbolized the unwavering strength of India’s maritime force—where the spirit of the sea meets the spirit of sport.