In December 2024, Union Minister of State(MoS) Raksha Khadse, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports(MYAS), unveiled the Mascot, Logo, Anthem, Jersey, Torch and Tagline for the 38th National Games at an event held at Maharana Pratap Sports College in Dehradun(Uttarakhand). It aims to promote sports culture, enhance infrastructure and motivate young athletes.
- The 38th National Games is scheduled to take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Dehradun, Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14, 2025 with over 10,000 athletes competing in 38 sports.
Key People:
Uttarakhand Chief Minister(CM) Pushkar Singh Dhami and Indian Olympic Association President P T Usha were present at the event.
Highlights:
i.Mascot :The mascot for the 38th National Games is named ‘Mauli,’ inspired by the Himalayan Monal, Uttarakhand’s state bird.
ii.Logo: The logo featuring ‘the Monal’, symbolizes the state’s rich natural beauty and diversity.
- The mascot and logo aim to inspire young athletes and highlight Uttarakhand’s unique identity.
iii.Tagline: The official tagline of the 38thNational Games, titled ‘Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak’ (From Resolve to Zenith), was launched at the event.
- The tagline reflects the spirit of perseverance & determination required to achieve great heights.
iv.Jersey :A special jersey was unveiled for the 38th National Games, designed to represent the state and national spirit.
v.Torch: The newly designed torch incorporates motifs of the perennial holy river Ganga and the state flower, Brahma Kamal, also known as the “Lotus of the Darks.
- The 38th National Games torch was lit during the event and will travel across Uttarakhand, promoting unity and sportsmanship.
vi.Inclusion of Yoga and Mallakhamb: IOA President PT Usha announced that ‘yoga’ and ‘mallakhamb’ will be included as demonstration sports in the National Games.
- These traditional sports aim to highlight the cultural heritage of India and provide a platform for showcasing indigenous athletic practices.
Note: Mallakhamb is a traditional Indian sport involving gymnasts performing aerial yoga and gymnastic poses on a stationary pole, often used for wrestling training. It is recognized as a state sport in India.
vii.Infrastructure development: The state has allocated Rs 500 crore for infrastructure development, including new sports facilities and renovation of existing stadiums.
Recent Related News:
In November 2024, India’s first “Writer’s Village” (Lekhak Gaon) was jointly inaugurated by former President Ram Nath Kovind, Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant (Lt) General Gurmit Singh (retired) and Chief Minister (CM) Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
- It is conceived by former CM Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, a renowned writer in his own right. During the event, Nishank unveiled his book “Ram in the Himalayas”.
About Uttarakhand:
Chief Minister (CM)– Pushkar Singh Dhami
Governor- Gurmit Singh
Capital- Dehradun
Dams- Tehri Dam, Tumaria Dam, Maneri Dam
