National Games 2025 Culminate In Uttarakhand, India's New Sports Hub

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday attended the closing ceremony of 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand's International Sports Complex, Haldwani. Home Minister praised the transformation of Uttarakhand into a sports hub, attributing it to the development of sports infrastructure across the state.

Mandaviya emphasised that these Games mark the beginning of India's journey to becoming a global sports hub. He stated, "The National Games are concluding today. The journey to make India a hub of sports in the coming days has begun today... In sports, we either win or learn... We have to send a message to the world that we come from a country of brave warriors like Arjun... The country is progressing under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi."

38th National Games Medal Tally and Participation

Services emerged as the top medal winners with 121 medals, including 68 golds. Maharashtra followed with 198 medals but fewer golds, placing them second. Haryana secured third place with 153 medals. Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh rounded out the top five positions.

The Games saw participation from around 10,000 athletes and officials representing 38 teams. Competitions spanned across six cities: Haridwar, Nainital, Haldwani, Rudrapur, Shivpuri, and New Tehri. The event featured Olympic sports such as athletics, shooting, wrestling, swimming, hockey, boxing, badminton, weightlifting, football, tennis and table tennis.

Inauguration and Demonstration Sports

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Games on January 28 at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun. Alongside main events were demonstration sports like kalarippayattu, yogasana, mallakhambh and rafting. These non-medal events added cultural diversity to the sporting showcase.

Uttarakhand CM Dhami expressed pride in hosting the Games and welcomed dignitaries warmly during the closing ceremony. "I warmly welcome all of you to the closing ceremony of the 38th National Games," he said.

Notable Athletes

The event featured prominent Indian athletes including Olympic medallists Lovlina Borgohain (boxing), Swapnil Kusale (shooting), Sarabjot Singh (shooting) and Vijay Kumar (shooting).

World-class Infrastructure and Hospitality

Uttarakhand's commitment to providing a nurturing and safe environment for athletes participating in the National Games is evident through its emphasis on security and health services. Round-the-clock medical teams are on standby at crucial points, ready to offer assistance whenever needed. The provision of efficient transportation, including E-rickshaw and bus services that connect event venues with lodging facilities, ensures athletes can travel comfortably and focus entirely on their performance.

The state's dedication to catering to the diverse requirements of athletes is showcased through the availability of nutritious meals that accommodate various regional tastes. This attention to detail is part of a broader effort by the Uttarakhand government to offer a hospitable and supportive environment for all participants. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Dehradun, alongside other venues, has been updated with state-of-the-art facilities to foster a conducive competitive atmosphere.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state has gone to great lengths to ensure that athletes feel welcomed and valued. From the involvement of local volunteers and sports coordinators to the organization of cultural events that display the traditions of different states, Uttarakhand has woven a comprehensive support network for the participants. These cultural showcases not only entertain but also provide a glimpse into the state's rich cultural fabric, enhancing the overall experience of the athletes.

The appreciation from athletes for the warm and inviting vibe of Uttarakhand underscores the success of the state's efforts in hosting the National Games. The seamless integration of world-class sports facilities with genuine hospitality has made the event not just a competition, but a celebration of sportsmanship and cultural exchange. This thoughtful planning and execution have established Uttarakhand as a model for organizing future sporting events, demonstrating that true sportsmanship transcends the boundaries of the playing field.