CM Dhami celebrates Olympic Day in Dehradun, lauds spirit of sports and unity

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday emphasised the deep-rooted significance of sports in everyday life, stating that participating in sports reflects the universal values of unity, peace, and humanity.

Speaking at an event held in Dehradun to commemorate International Olympic Day on June 23, CM Dhami said, "It is a matter of great pride for us that an event has been organised in Dehradun on this International Olympic Day. This reminds us that playing a sport is not just about winning a medal but also signifies the shared values of humanity, unity and peace."

He also lauded the achievements of Indian athletes on global platforms and their growing influence. “Today, when we talk about the Olympics, we feel proud of the achievements of our Indian athletes - be it Neeraj Chopra winning the gold medal for javelin throw, Mirabai Chanu, Lovelina or the Indian hockey team... Our Indian sportspersons, including those from Uttarakhand, are making the country proud," he added.

Earlier in the day, CM Dhami met Padma Bhushan awardee and noted environmentalist Anil Joshi, the founder of HESCO, at his official residence. The two discussed key topics such as environmental conservation, sustainable development, and the introduction of the Gross Environmental Product (GEP) framework in Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister described the exchange as a meaningful conversation on green development and ecological well-being.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, CM Dhami shared updates about the ongoing Kedarnath Yatra, calling it a symbol of spiritual devotion and progressive development. On social media platform X, he informed that more than 11.4 lakh pilgrims have visited the Kedarnath shrine within just 48 days since the yatra began. Describing the pilgrimage as "a wonderful confluence of development with faith," Dhami noted the growing footfall had not only enhanced the state's spiritual significance but also contributed positively to the local economy.

"This is not just a pilgrimage but has become a symbol of Uttarakhand's economic, cultural and spiritual prosperity. Hail Baba Kedar!" he said, while using the hashtag #CharDhamYatra2025.

The Char Dham Yatra—covering Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri—is one of Hinduism's most revered pilgrimages. Over recent years, the Uttarakhand government has implemented several infrastructure upgrades, including better roads, expanded helicopter services, and improved lodging facilities to ensure the journey is safer and more accessible. The significant increase in the number of pilgrims this year is credited to both enhanced amenities and rising spiritual enthusiasm.