The 38th National Games will be hosted by Uttarakhand for the first time, marking a significant event in the state’s sports history. The torch, named ‘Tejaswini,’ has begun its journey across the state, spreading excitement and awareness about the games. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off the torch rally from Haldwani, and it is expected to cover 3,823 km, visiting 99 locations in 13 districts before reaching the capital, Dehradun. The National Games will take place from January 28 to February 14, 2025, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Dehradun.
Key Highlights
Flag-off The Torch Rally
- The torch rally was officially inaugurated by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on December 26, 2024, in Haldwani, which marked the beginning of the journey.
Torch’s Journey
- The torch, named Tejaswini, travels across 13 districts of Uttarakhand, visiting 99 locations in total.
- The journey covers an extensive distance of 3,823 kilometers and is set to culminate in Dehradun on January 25, 2025.
Key Locations
- The torch rally will pass through significant districts, including Nainital, Pithoragarh, Almora, and Bageshwar, where it has been warmly welcomed by local sports officials and communities.
- The torch’s journey also serves to inspire youth and athletes in these areas, bringing attention to the importance of sports in the region.
Purpose of Rally
- The primary objective of the rally is to foster community engagement and awareness about the National Games.
- According to Rekha Arya, Uttarakhand’s Sports Minister, the torch’s journey is not just about lighting the path for the Games, but also about connecting people from diverse areas to the event.
- The rally encourages participation, builds excitement, and creates an environment of sports culture in the state.
The 38th National Games
Event Dates
- The 38th National Games will be held from January 28 to February 14, 2025.
- It will be the first time the event is hosted by Uttarakhand, giving the state an opportunity to showcase its potential in organizing large-scale sports events.
Main Venue
- The games will be conducted at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Dehradun, which will host a variety of competitions across different sports disciplines.
Mascot, Anthem and Logo
- As part of the promotional activities, the games’ mascot, anthem, logo, and tagline were revealed during the inauguration by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
- These elements reflect the vibrant culture and spirit of Uttarakhand and its commitment to fostering sports excellence.
Events and Participation
- The National Games will see the participation of athletes from across the country competing in multiple sports, including athletics, hockey, football, and badminton.
- The Games aim to bring together top athletes from all states and provide a platform for nurturing future champions.
The Importance of Tejaswini
- The name Tejaswini for the torch symbolizes brightness, strength, and the shining spirit of sports.
- It is designed to inspire athletes and citizens alike to pursue excellence and contribute to the development of sports in India.
- The torch’s journey through Uttarakhand will serve as a reminder of the values of dedication, perseverance, and unity in the pursuit of athletic achievement.
| Summary/Static | Details |
| Why in the news? | The 38th National Games Torch ‘Tejaswini’ |
| Flag-off Location | Haldwani, Uttarakhand |
| Total Distance Covered | 3,823 km |
| Final Destination | Dehradun (January 25, 2025) |
| Main Venue | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Dehradun |
| Purpose | Community engagement and awareness |