By Our Staff Reporter
DEHRADUN, 15 Dec: Along with the launch of the mascot, the logo, jersey, torch, anthem, and tagline for the 38th National Games were unveiled in a grand ceremony, here, today. Yoga and Mallakhamb, two traditional sports, were also officially included as part of the National Games. This was made possible after the Indian Olympic Association accepted the appeal made by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. On Sunday, during the grand mascot ceremony, Indian Olympic Association President Dr PT Usha made this announcement public.
The Chief Minister launched the mascot, logo, jersey, anthem, and tagline for the National Games. The tagline for the 38th National Games is “Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak” (From Resolve to Summit).
The event, held at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Raipur, Dehradun, was attended by the Chief Minister, who called the day historic for Uttarakhand’s sports history. He extended gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for granting Uttarakhand the honor of hosting the National Games.
The Chief Minister stated that the beautiful logo of the National Games reflects the vibrant colors of Uttarakhand, showcasing the state’s diversity to the entire country. He mentioned that the anthem would inspire athletes to work even harder while also symbolizing unity. The mascot, a Monal, represents the unique identity of the state and motivates young athletes to set higher goals and work diligently to achieve them. The mascot also reflects Uttarakhand’s natural beauty and diversity, taking the essence of these to every corner of India. The torch, which symbolizes unity and collective effort, will travel across the state, promoting the spirit of sports and helping to develop a sports culture in society.
As the Chief Guest, Pushkar Singh Dhami remarked that our resolve should be unshakable. With determination, any goal can be achieved. He stated that the state is fully prepared to host the 38th National Games and that the government has allocated nearly ₹500 crore for infrastructural improvements, including the construction of new sports fields, renovation of stadiums and swimming pools, development of infrastructure for water sports, cycling tracks, and shooting ranges.
The Chief Minister further highlighted that the state government is also constructing smaller sports stadiums in the hilly regions, providing local athletes with an opportunity to showcase their talents. He mentioned that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, innovative efforts have been made to position India as a sports powerhouse. The Fit India and Khelo India initiatives, along with a robust sports ecosystem, are helping to drive these efforts.
Dhami also reiterated the state government’s commitment to continuously support sports and athletes. A new sports policy has been implemented, offering government jobs to athletes who bring medals at the national and international levels.
In his address, the CM mentioned the reinstatement of 4% reservation for athletes, doubling the prize money for athletes, and the establishment of a sports university. He expressed confidence that athletes participating in the National Games would take away great experiences from Uttarakhand.
Union Minister of State for Sports, Rakhshya Khadse, praised the performance of Indian athletes in international competitions, especially athletes from Uttarakhand who are making the state and country proud. He assured that the central government would extend full support to the development of sports in Uttarakhand and expressed the government’s intent to host the Olympics in India. A video message from Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was also broadcast during the event.
Indian Olympic Association President, Dr PT Usha, congratulated Uttarakhand for hosting the National Games and praised Dhami’s leadership. She expressed confidence that Uttarakhand would make significant strides in the development of sports.
Uttarakhand’s Sports Minister, Rekha Arya, stated that hosting the National Games in the silver jubilee year of Uttarakhand is an exciting event.
The ceremony was attended by Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj, MLA Umesh Sharma Kau, Sunaina Kumari, Uttarakhand Olympic Association President Mahesh Negi, Special Principal Secretary (Sports) Amit Sinha, Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, Director (Sports) Prashant Arya, and other dignitaries.
The event was hosted by RJ Kavya.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion of launch of the logo of 38th National Games to be held in Uttarakhand, Indian Olympic Association President Dr PT Usha congratulated Uttarakhand for hosting the National Games. She said that she was very happy to be present on this occasion in Uttarakhand. Praising the leadership of CM Dhami, she expressed hope that better work will be done in Uttarakhand in the development of sports. She also said that she is confident that the national games to be hosted by Uttarakhand, would bring unprecedented success and experience for the sports persons and everyone related to the National Games.
