The 35th National Games is all set to kick start on Saturday evening with a glitzy opening ceremony at the newly-built stadium in Kariavatttom on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram.
Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar will be the chief guest at the ceremony, which will be also marked by other legendary athletes like PT Usha and Anju Bobby George and other dignitaries.
The competitions will begin from February 1, which will continue for 14 days with closing ceremony on February 14.
Kerala at the moment is witnessing dry weather period and is experiencing the maximum heat index, resulting in highest day temperature for any state in India during this time of the year.
During the National Games, maximum temperatures are expected to settle in mid-30s, whereas the minimums are expected to remain in the mid-20s. Though no widespread weather activity is expected during this time but Kerala being a coastal region might witness isolated showers.
Southern state faces the Arabian Sea on its western border, thereby resulting in uncomfortably humid conditions. Thus, athletes will have to endure hot and humid conditions, especially those participating in fast-paced games.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, clear weather is predicted for the first few days of the games, however light rain is expected in some pockets, possibly from 10th to 13th February. But this activity should clear up by the closing ceremony.
The games will feature 33 disciplines of sports in total and will witness more than 10,000 athletes in action. The mascot of the 35th National Games is Ammu, The Great Indian Hornbill, which is also the State bird of Kerala.
