Grand Conclusion of the 38th National Games: A New Dawn for Sports in Uttarakhand
The closing ceremony of the 38th National Games took place at the International Sports Stadium in Golapar, Haldwani, graced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha officially declared the games closed. The event celebrated the remarkable achievements of top-performing teams—Services, Maharashtra, and Haryana, who were honored by the Union Home Minister.
Amit Shah Praises Uttarakhand’s Efforts
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised Uttarakhand for its exceptional hosting of the National Games, despite its challenging geography. He highlighted Chief Minister Dhami’s efforts in developing sports infrastructure across the state, which elevated Uttarakhand from the 25th to the 7th position on the national sports map. He expressed his admiration for the state’s athletes, who have transformed Uttarakhand from the “Land of Gods” to the “Land of Sports.”
Eco-Friendly Games with a Purpose
The 38th National Games were designed with sustainability in mind. Trees were planted in honor of the athletes, and the event emphasized minimal plastic use, solar energy, and recycling. The medals were crafted from e-waste, and even the sports kits were made from recycled materials. A “Sports Forest” was created, featuring Rudraksha trees planted in the names of medal-winning athletes.
New Beginnings for Uttarakhand
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami proudly noted that hosting the National Games for the first time marked a historic moment for Uttarakhand. More than 16,000 athletes competed across 35 sports disciplines, setting multiple national records. For the first time, traditional sports like yoga and Mallakhamb were featured. The state also set a world record with a nighttime river rafting competition.
Competitions were held in both urban and remote locations, from Dehradun to high-altitude lakes and rivers, showcasing the state’s natural beauty. Permanent sports infrastructure was developed to ensure long-term benefits for the local communities.
Uttarakhand’s Impressive Medal Haul
Uttarakhand’s athletes made history by winning 103 medals, including 24 golds. Chief Minister Dhami expressed confidence that this achievement would inspire the next generation of young athletes. He emphasized the state’s commitment to the tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guests are God) by ensuring the comfort of visiting athletes and staff, hoping they would return to explore Uttarakhand’s scenic landscapes.
India Ready to Host the 2036 Olympics
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed confidence in India’s readiness to host the 2036 Olympics, inspired by the successful organization of the National Games in Uttarakhand. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts in nurturing a positive sporting environment in India through initiatives like “Fit India” and “Khelo India.” Shah emphasized that the increase in India’s sports budget from ₹800 crores in 2014 to ₹3,800 crores for 2025-26 is a testament to the government’s commitment to sports infrastructure and development.
Looking Forward: Meghalaya to Host the Next Edition
The National Games torch now passes to Meghalaya, with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma planning to promote sports across Northeast India. Amit Shah wished Meghalaya success for the 39th National Games.
A Nation’s Pride and Legacy
The event concluded with tributes to former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj and the martyrs of the Pulwama attack. Amit Shah acknowledged their sacrifices and highlighted India’s strengthened national security under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
The grand finale of the 38th National Games not only celebrated athletic excellence but also marked the dawn of new opportunities and hopes for Uttarakhand. Chief Minister Dhami summed up the spirit of the event by stating, “This is not an end but a new beginning.” With enhanced sports infrastructure and a commitment to eco-friendly practices, Uttarakhand has indeed set a new benchmark for future sporting events in India.
News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”
