Olympic Games weightlifting silver medallist Mirabai Chanu will be the biggest draw at the Mahatma Mandir Complex in Gandhinagar when the 36th National Games gathers steam on Friday, with competitions in nine more sports beginning a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the Games open at a spectacular ceremony on Thursday.

Tough contest for shooters 

The women’s 10m air rifle contest, featuring home favourite, Olympian Elavenil Valarivan and West Bengal’s Mehuli Ghosh will also capture attention at the Ahmedabad Military and Rifle Training Centre here. On a day when three shooting gold medals will be decided, 2012 Olympic Games silver medallist Vijay Kumar’s comeback will also be watched with much interest. Friday will also see athletes in archery, athletics, fencing, gymnastics, kho-kho, roller sports, rowing and wrestling the opportunity showcase their skills on the grand stage.