38th National Games: How Uttarakhand is transforming to deliver a memorable experience

Uttarakhand is poised to host the highly anticipated 38th National Games, an event that promises to celebrate both sports and the state's rich cultural heritage.

Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Sports Minister Rekha Arya, Uttarakhand is gearing up to deliver a world-class experience for athletes and spectators alike.

A slew of initiatives

Many exciting initiatives are underway to generate widespread buzz and excitement for the event.

Sports awareness was integrated into the State Youth Festival held from November 10th to 14th, 2024, at the Parade Ground in Dehradun.

A variety of activities and activations were carried out to promote the upcoming National Games.

Esteemed speakers shared insights on topics such as sports science, nutrition and strength training, and technology in athlete performance.

An online portal was launched for volunteer registration, engaging the community in the lead-up to the event. Additionally, a creative competition encouraged public participation to raise awareness of the Games and foster engagement.

The Games and Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC), led by Chairperson Ms. Sunaina Kumari, recently completed an inspection of the venues for the National Games.

The Maharana Pratap Singh College (MPSC) in Dehradun will serve as the primary hub for most events.

Additionally, the state is constructing a state-of-the-art shooting range, featuring 50-meter, 25-meter, and 10 meter ranges. The Director of Competitions (DOC) and state sports associations are conducting regular site evaluations to ensure readiness.

Athlete promotion

Uttarakhand has a proud tradition of producing world-class athletes.

The state recently honored its Olympic heroes, Lakshya Sen, Suraj Panwar, Ankita Dhyani, and Paramjeet Singh Bisht, with a generous reward of ₹50 lakhs each.

Most recently, Prithviraj Samrat Sengupta earned a bronze medal for his remarkable performance at the 2024 Special Olympics World Open Powerlifting Championship.

Recently, Honorable Sports Minister Smt. Rekha Arya inaugurated the State-Level Adventure Training Centre at Shivpuri on November 22, 2024.

Built at a cost of ₹3.48 crore, the center is designed to provide top-notch facilities for athletes specializing in adventure sports.

Smt. Arya emphasized that the center will not only support players in honing their skills but will also position Uttarakhand as a premier destination for adventure sports training ahead of the National Games 2025.

Additionally, Uttarakhand has issued a revised Government Order boost support for the athletes’ and conduct of Uttarakhand’s sports camps.

The new measures include changes in daily allowances, accommodations, food, and travel perks, alongside a significant upgrade in camp equipment allocation.

Additionally, stipends for coaches have been raised, and new benefits have been introduced to support our athletes' mental, physical, and nutritional well-being.

As we prepare for the 38th National Games, Uttarakhand is excited to offer a memorable experience for athletes, spectators, and visitors.

With ongoing preparations and exciting activities, the state is ready to showcase its sporting spirit and cultural heritage.

Uttarakhand is looking forward to welcoming everyone to the event in 2025.