In Kerala, the competitions in the 35th National Games begins today. The events will be held at 29 venues spread over seven districts of the state and will end on the 14th of February. This is for the first time that the National Games are being held in more than one district.The colourful opening ceremony of the National Games was held in Thiruvananthapuram last evening. Around 2,500 sports-persons, representing States and Union territories took part in a march at the event. 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.