38th National Games Concludes in Haldwani with a Spectacular Closing Ceremony

The 38th National Games concluded with a grand closing ceremony at the International Sports Stadium in Golapar, Haldwani. The event witnessed the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, marking a momentous occasion for Indian sports.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha officially declared the games closed. The top-performing teams—Services, Maharashtra, and Haryana—were honored for their outstanding achievements. Shah commended Uttarakhand's efforts in sports development, highlighting the state's remarkable rise from the 25th to the 7th position in national rankings under CM Dhami’s leadership.

In his address, Shah acknowledged the dedication of athletes who have transformed Uttarakhand into a powerhouse of talent. He praised the successful hosting of the event despite the state's challenging terrain, attributing the seamless execution to the government’s commitment to sports infrastructure development.

Encouraging athletes, Shah emphasized that winning and losing are secondary to the invaluable lessons of perseverance and determination. He motivated participants who missed out on medals to strive for future victories, reinforcing the ethos of resilience in competitive sports.

Highlighting sustainability, he lauded the eco-friendly measures implemented during the games. Trees were planted to honor athletes, and national records were broken, showcasing India’s growing potential on the international stage.

The torch for the National Games will now be passed to Meghalaya, with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma planning to expand sporting events across the Northeast to promote regional athletic talent. Shah extended his best wishes to Meghalaya for the successful hosting of the next edition.

Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives, such as “Fit India” and “Khelo India,” for revolutionizing India’s sports ecosystem. He noted significant enhancements in coaching, infrastructure, and transparent athlete selection, ensuring that India remains a formidable force in global sports. The sports budget has increased significantly, from Rs 800 crores in 2014 to Rs 3,800 crores for 2025-26, empowering young athletes with better resources and training facilities.

CM Dhami expressed pride in hosting the National Games for the first time in Uttarakhand’s silver jubilee year. Over 16,000 athletes competed in 35 sports disciplines, securing 448 gold, 448 silver, and 594 bronze medals. For the first time, traditional Indian sports such as yoga and Mallakhamb were included, alongside a world-record nighttime river rafting competition.

Uttarakhand’s National Games were themed as “Green Games,” promoting sustainability with minimal plastic use, solar energy adoption, and eco-friendly medals crafted from e-waste. The event also saw the establishment of a 2.77-hectare “Sports Forest” where Rudraksha trees were planted in honor of medal-winning athletes.

Competitions were held across multiple locations, including Dehradun, Haridwar, Rudrapur, Rishikesh, Almora, Pithoragarh, Tehri, and even the small town of Chakarpur. Water sports were conducted in high-altitude lakes and rivers, while permanent sports infrastructure was developed instead of temporary setups.

The state delivered an exceptional performance, securing a record 103 medals, including 24 golds. CM Dhami emphasized that this achievement would inspire a new generation of athletes. He also assured that Uttarakhand upheld the tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” ensuring a warm and hospitable experience for all visiting athletes and officials.

As the games drew to a close, CM Dhami stated that this was not the end but a fresh beginning for Uttarakhand’s sports aspirations. He extended gratitude to all stakeholders, including the Indian Olympic Association, Uttarakhand Olympic Association, and dedicated volunteers, for making the event a resounding success.

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised Uttarakhand’s efforts, declaring it a rising “sports land” alongside its spiritual identity. IOA President PT Usha applauded the state’s efficient organization despite limited preparation time, while State Sports Minister Rekha Arya commended the unwavering spirit of athletes who made Uttarakhand proud.

The grand closing ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma, Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt, and MP Ajay Bhatt, marking a fitting end to a historic sporting event.

With its successful hosting of the 38th National Games, Uttarakhand has reinforced its position as a rising sports hub, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.