Permanent Mission of India
New York

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UN Games Opening ceremony

Statement by Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, Permanent Representative
12 June, 2026 

            My friend, Ambassador Hajiyev, ASG McClean, ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure for me to be with you virtually today.

            You all would agree that today’s interaction is indeed different from the usual exchanges we have on other UN platforms in New York. Yesterday we had the opening ceremony of FIFA World Cup and we gather today for the opening ceremony of 2026 UN Games. I must note that this is also firmly rooted in true multilateral traditions of the UN. India is a proud co-sponsor of the UNGA Resolution 78/325 that paved the way for the annual UN Games.

            We celebrate the spirit of unity today. Though all of us are not active in sports, I am certain that most of us are fans. Our tastes and preferences differ, but sports is part of our daily lives. Therefore, as in the previous two editions,  it gives me immense happiness to be one of the co-organizers of the third UN Games.

            At this juncture, I would also like to place on record my sincere appreciation to Turkmenistan for taking the lead on UN Games. I have been here in New York for less than two years, but my experience shows that UN Games is an annual affair that my team in the Mission looks forward to with great enthusiasm.

            Like the last two years, it is a privilege for India to take the lead on yoga and chess. Though yoga is much more than a sport, we are glad that it has now become a permanent fixture in the UN Games and the timing could not have been any better. Since the unanimous adoption of the UNGA resolution declaring 21 June as International Day of Yoga with the co-sponsorship of a record number of Member States in December 2014, this has captured the imagination of people across continents. In UN also, we have been marking the Day with great fervour, with the active participation and support from all Member States. I also take this opportunity to cordially invite you all to this year’s International Day of Yoga celebrations on 18 June 2026 at the North Lawns. We look forward  to receiving you all at the event. As regards chess, the roots of modern day chess could be traced to India. This year, we will also be organizing badminton. We expect your support and cooperation in this regard too.

            I am certain that the spirit of friendship and cordiality that is on display in this room today will be reflected in the field as well. I convey my good wishes to all participants.

            I am confident that the spirit of sportsmanship will be eventual winner in the 2026 UN Games.

            I thank you all.