India, Dec. 20 -- President Donald Trump's announcement of the Patriot Games to mark the U.S. 250th anniversary has sparked strong criticism and is drawing parallels to the dystopian Hunger Games franchise.

The Patriot Games were unveiled on December 18 as part of a broader slate of activities planned for the Freedom 250/America250 celebration, which also includes a national state fair on the National Mall and other civic and cultural festivities next year.

Trump's video announcement described the four-day athletic event as featuring "one young man and one young woman from each state and territory" competing in a televised competition of strength and endurance.

Social media users and political commentators compared the Patriot Games to...