Amit Shah addresses the closing ceremony of 38th ‘National Games’ as Chief Guest in Haldwani, Uttarakhand

Amit Shah addressed the closing ceremony of 38^th ‘National Games’ as Chief Guest in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. On this occasion, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Shri Conrad Sangma, and Union Minister of State for Road, Transport and Highways Shri Ajay Tamta, along with several other dignitaries, were present.

In his address, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that with the successful conduct of the 38^th National Games, Dev Bhoomi (Uttarkhand) has now become a ‘Khel Bhoomi’ with the help of sports infrastructure developed in every district of the state. Shri Amit Shah said, due to the efforts of Chief Minister Pushar Singh Dhami, Dev Bhoomi has moved upwards from 21st place to 7th place in terms of country's sports infrastructure. Shri Shah, while congratulating the athletes from Uttarakhand who won a large number of medals in the National Games, stated that it is they who have truly made Dev Bhoomi a land of sports.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation appreciated the organizing committee of 38^th National Games and the sports federations, stating that it was due to their efforts that a small state like Uttarakhand was able to successfully organize these games at such a high level. He mentioned that around 16,000 athletes participated in approximately 435 competitions as part of National Games. Shri Shah said that the true message of sports is the spirit of victory and not being disheartened by defeat. He added that the next National Games is to be held in Meghalaya, where athletes will have another opportunity to win medals.

Shri Amit Shah stated that eco-friendly practices were realised along with the eco-friendly games at the 38th National Games. He mentioned that national records were made in several sports, including weightlifting, shooting, and athletics, which has raised hopes of winning medals at international competitions. He also said that during the next National Games, to be held in Meghalaya, some events will be organized in other northeastern states as well, so that the entire North East resonates with the National Games. He said that the organization of sports competitions in small states like Uttarakhand and Meghalaya shows the dedication of these states towards sports.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Minister stated that due to the initiatives of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, there has been a significant change in the sports environment in the country. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had started the 'Khelo Gujarat' competition as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and since then, there has been substantial development in the sports sector. He mentioned that sports infrastructure has been developed in many districts of the country, athletes and coaches have been encouraged, and transparency has been introduced in the selection process, which has enhanced the reputation of Indian sports globally.