The 35th National Games got underway with a colourful opening ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala this evening. Around 2,500 sports-persons, representing States and Union territories took part in a march at the event held at Greenfield stadium at Kariavattom. Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu took the salute of the marching sports-persons. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said in his welcome address that his Government is planning a comprehensive package for development of sports in the State.The presence of Sachin Tendulkar, who is also the goodwill ambassador of the National Games, enthused spectators.