By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 12 Dec: The five symbols for the 38th National Games, which will be held in Uttarakhand starting 28 January, including the logo, anthem, mascot, torch, and jersey, will be launched on 15 December. The event will be attended by the Union Minister of State for Sports, and President of the Indian Olympic Association PT Usha. This information was shared by the State’s Sports Minister, Rekha Arya, during a press conference at the Secretariat Media Centre on Thursday.
Minister Arya stated that, after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, she travelled to Delhi, where she met Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of State for Sports, Rakhsha Khadse, and PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association. She mentioned that she had extended invitations to the Union Ministers and PT Usha to attend the symbol launch event on 15 December.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will unveil the logo, anthem, mascot, and torch for the upcoming National Games. Additionally, a specially designed jersey for Uttarakhand’s players will also be launched. After the launch, the torch will be carried throughout the state as a symbol of unity and togetherness.
The Sports Minister also mentioned that, currently, there are 42 camps running across the state to train athletes for the National Games, with 1,260 players in training. To enhance the quality of training, not only have skilled coaches from other states been invited, but some coaches from abroad have also been brought in. Special Secretary Amit Sinha was also present during the press briefing.
On this occasion, Minister Rekha Arya shared that she had discussed with IOA President PT Usha about including Uttarakhand’s traditional sports such as Yoga, Mallakhamb, Rafting, and Kalaripayattu as core events in the National Games. Usha had shown a positive attitude regarding this, and a decision might be made before the symbol launch on 15 December.
To ensure the best performance of the state’s athletes in the upcoming National Games, efforts are being made to provide training at the same locations where the events will be held, so that athletes can familiarise themselves with the competition venues. Minister Arya stated that she is continuously inspecting training camps and engaging with the athletes to ensure they receive all necessary facilities.
On Thursday, Minister Rekha Arya also visited the Basketball and Lawn Bowls camps. During her visit to the basketball camp at Rajiv Gandhi Sports Stadium, she garnered applause from the players after successfully making a shot on her first try. She interacted with the players, inquiring about their diet, the coaches, and the quality of training. Minister Arya also asked athletes if they needed anything more or if there were any areas where they felt improvements were required. She motivated the players to deliver their best performance at the National Games.
