By Sarvesh Danwal
From 28 January to 14 February 2025, Uttarakhand will host the 38th National Games, marking a historic moment not just for the state but for Indian sports as a whole. While Uttarakhand had been granted this honour back in 2018, unforeseen challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and infrastructural inadequacies led to delays. Now, with the Dhami government at the helm, the state has been presented with this opportunity once again, raising high expectations among the people. The task at hand is two-fold —delivering an exceptional event and ensuring that Uttarakhand’s athletes secure a respectable position in the medal tally.
The Importance of Sports and the Role of Leadership
Sports are not just a display of physical prowess; they symbolise mental strength and community spirit. On, both, national and international platforms, sports provide young athletes the chance to channel their energy, compete, and embody sportsmanship. It’s not merely about winning or losing, but about showcasing discipline, character, and skill. Hosting such events brings immense pride to any state or nation but turning that pride into success requires robust leadership and collaboration.
Indian sports have often struggled with mediocrity, and the root cause isn’t just inadequate infrastructure. A key issue is the lack of effective leadership. Sports leadership in India has frequently been transactional— focused on short-term gains and material rewards. However, to help athletes realise their full potential, we need transformational leadership, one that motivates them not just to win medals but to develop holistically as individuals.
The National Games in Uttarakhand: New Hopes
Organising the National Games in a mountainous state like Uttarakhand is no small challenge. However, the state’s natural beauty and potential for adventure sports already make it a unique sporting destination. Given its geographical diversity and natural resources, the games are expected to boost sports tourism in the region. It will provide a platform for the state’s young talent to showcase their abilities and compete on a grand stage.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured IOA President PT Usha that this edition of the National Games will surpass previous ones in excellence and efficiency. This will not only elevate Uttarakhand’s sports culture but also create significant opportunities for the state’s overall development.
Building Sports Infrastructure
The importance of infrastructure for hosting national events cannot be overstated. The state is constructing modern stadiums, training centres, and residential facilities for athletes in Dehradun, Haldwani, and other cities, equipped with the latest technology to ensure smooth execution of the games. However, infrastructure alone isn’t enough. It’s equally crucial to have quality leadership in sports organisations and provide athletes with the proper guidance and direction.
The Need for Transformational Leadership
In contrast to transactional leadership, transformational leadership taps into the intrinsic motivation of athletes. It is not just about winning medals or achieving material success; it focuses on the holistic development of the athlete. A notable example is the relationship between Rafael Nadal and his uncle, Toni Nadal. Toni’s leadership was not limited to coaching Nadal for victories but played a pivotal role in shaping his overall personality.
Similarly, Uttarakhand’s sports organisations and coaches must emphasise the personal and mental growth of their athletes. This requires reforms in sports federations, professional development programmes for coaches and administrators, and fostering a growth mindset among athletes. Transformational leadership is essential, driven by internal motivation, discipline, and a commitment to excellence.
The Expectations of the People
The people of Uttarakhand have high hopes for these games. They expect not only stellar performances from their athletes but also anticipate that this event will elevate the state’s profile on the national stage. Athletes must understand that this is not just an opportunity to win medals but also to bring pride and honour to the state.
The Dhami government and sports authorities must ensure that the success of this event is not limited to infrastructure alone but extends to providing athletes with the necessary support and inspiration. Sports are not just physical contests; they are a testament to mental resilience and discipline. The athletes participating in these games carry the responsibility of representing not just themselves but the entire state.
Conclusion
The 38th National Games represent a golden opportunity for Uttarakhand. This event is not just a sporting spectacle but a chance to highlight the state’s sports culture, the potential of its youth, and the critical role of leadership in sports management. These games will provide a fresh direction to Uttarakhand’s sporting talent and give the state a new identity on the national stage.
To achieve this, sports federations, coaches, and administrators must embrace transformational leadership, inspiring athletes not only to win medals but to pursue their overall development. Athletes who give their best on the field are not just showcasing personal success but reflecting the pride of their state and nation.
The people of Uttarakhand are excited about this event, confident that these games will bring out the state’s sporting potential and elevate Uttarakhand to new heights.