Four years on, Uttarakhand CM Dhami applauds state's sports glory

Marking four years of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday highlighted the state’s significant achievements in the field of sports.

He pointed to the successful hosting of the 38th National Games earlier this year as a milestone in Uttarakhand’s sporting journey.

The state hosted the prestigious tournament in February, with all competitions held within Uttarakhand itself—a first for the event. Athletes from the state delivered a standout performance, winning 103 medals, including 24 gold, 22 silver, and 26 bronze, to secure an impressive seventh place in the overall rankings.

“We organised the national games. Devbhoomi is moving towards the sports ground. By winning one hundred and three medals, our sportsmen have established a record in the thirty-eighth national games. The event, which was organised in the state, was the first time that there was no need to go outside the state for any competition, and we did not organise any competition in the hanger. All our structures were permanent structures. We organised the competitions in those structures,” CM Dhami told ANI, praising the athletes and organisers.

The 38th edition of the National Games saw participation from over 16,000 athletes across 35 sporting disciplines. A total of 1,490 medals were awarded—448 gold, 448 silver, and 594 bronze. Several national records were broken, and many young talents emerged as promising contenders for international championships.

The Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) topped the medal tally with 121 medals, including 68 gold, 26 silver, and 27 bronze, claiming the championship title at the 2025 National Games.

Beyond the sporting contests, the event celebrated India’s cultural diversity. Cultural performances reflecting the heritage of various states were held throughout the games, enriching the experience for participants and spectators alike. Local volunteers and sports coordinators played a crucial role in facilitating a smooth experience for all teams, from accommodation to logistics.

Venues like the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Dehradun and others were upgraded with state-of-the-art infrastructure to ensure top-tier competition conditions. According to a government press release, special focus was also placed on the nutritional needs of athletes, offering diverse, healthy meals to suit various regional preferences.

Uttarakhand’s successful execution of the National Games 2025 has not only set a benchmark in sporting infrastructure and planning but also reinforced the state’s emerging role as a key player in India’s sports ecosystem.