Uttarakhand: Chief Minister Dhami Unveils Mascot for the 38th National Games
Click to start listening
Dehradun, Dec 15 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, officially introduced the mascot for the 38th National Games during a ceremony in Raipur, Dehradun on Sunday.
According to an official statement, two traditional sports, yoga and mallakhamb, are set to be included in the national games. This announcement was made public by Dr. PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, at the grand mascot launch event.
The Chief Minister unveiled the mascot symbol Mauli, along with the logo, jersey, anthem, and tagline for the 38th National Games. The official tagline has been declared as 'from Sankalp to Shikhar'.
During the program held at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Raipur, Dehradun, the Chief Minister remarked that this day marks a historic milestone in Uttarakhand's sports history. He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the residents of Uttarakhand for the opportunity to host the National Games.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the vibrant logo of the National Games represents the diverse culture of Uttarakhand to the entire nation. This anthem not only showcases our unity but also motivates athletes to strive for excellence.
The mascot of the National Games, Monal, symbolizes the uniqueness of our state, encouraging young athletes to set ambitious goals. The logo is inspired by the state bird Monal, reflecting the stunning natural beauty and diversity of Uttarakhand.
A beautiful torch for the National Games has been lit, set to travel throughout the state as a symbol of unity and collective effort, fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and sports culture in society.
As the chief guest, the Chief Minister emphasized that our resolutions should be unwavering, stating that only with commitment can we achieve our objectives. He assured that Uttarakhand is fully prepared for the successful execution of the 38th National Games.
The state government has allocated approximately Rs 500 crore for infrastructure enhancements, leading to the construction of numerous new sports facilities, renovation of stadiums and swimming pools, and development of infrastructure for water sports, cycling tracks, and shooting ranges.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister announced the construction of smaller sports stadiums in hilly regions, providing local athletes with opportunities to display their talents. He mentioned that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, innovative measures have been taken at all levels to establish India as a sports superpower. A robust sports ecosystem has been created through initiatives like Fit India and Khelo India Yojana.
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to promoting sports and athletes in the state. A new sports policy is being implemented, which offers government jobs to athletes who excel at national and international levels.
In his address, the Chief Minister reiterated the reinstatement of a 4 percent reservation for athletes, the doubling of prize money for state players, and the establishment of a sports university. He expressed hope that all athletes participating in the National Games would have a wonderful experience in Uttarakhand.
Union Minister of State for Sports, Raksha Khadse, highlighted the impressive performances of Indian athletes in international competitions, noting that players from Uttarakhand are bringing honor to both the state and the nation. He assured that the Central Government would provide full support for sports development in Uttarakhand and mentioned efforts to organize the Olympics in India. A video message from Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was also shared during the event.
Dr. PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, congratulated Uttarakhand for hosting the National Games. She praised Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for his leadership and expressed optimism for future advancements in sports development in Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand's Sports Minister, Smt. Rekha Arya, stated that organizing the National Games in the silver jubilee year of Uttarakhand is a significant milestone.
Cabinet Minister Shri Satpal Maharaj, MLA Shri Umesh Sharma Kau, Smt. Sunaina Kumari, State Olympic Association President Shri Mahesh Negi, Special Principal Secretary for Sports Amit Sinha, Secretary Shri Shailesh Bagoli, Sports Director Shri Prashant Arya, and many other dignitaries attended the event. The program was hosted by RJ Kavya.
