2002 National Games of India

[3][4] The opening and closing ceremonies featuring laser shows, fireworks and entertainment from movie stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai.

[5][6] 5,887 athletes in 31 disciplines- including roller-skating, introduced at Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu's behest- took part in the Games distributed between Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.

[7][8] Andhra Pradesh state government spent ₹184 crore (US$21 million), including a loan of ₹150 crore (US$17 million) from Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) for the creation of massive infrastructure, import of state-of-the-art sporting equipment and upgrading of existing facilities.

Andhra Pradesh government's emphasis on sports in 2002 saw the emergence of outstanding sportspersons like Pullela Gopichand, Saina Nehwal and Sania Mirza.

[13] Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi declared the Games closed in the presence of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Veera the bull was the mascot of the 2002 National Games