The successful hosting of the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand has resulted in significant political gains for Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. This was highlighted by the accolades he received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during both the opening and closing ceremonies.

The 17-day National Games event orchestrated by Uttarakhand has allowed Pushkar Singh Dhami to garner considerable political support, making it challenging for his critics to find fault with him. Amit Shah’s resounding praise during the closing ceremony not only bolstered Dhami’s political image but also reinforced his standing as a capable leader.

Shah remarked, “Uttarakhand has improved its position from 25th to 7th on the national sports scene. The success of our state’s athletes has transformed Devbhumi, the land of gods, into ‘Khel Bhumi,’ the land of sports.” He commended the athletes for their outstanding performances, as well as the National Games Organizing Committee and Uttarakhand’s sports bodies, noting the acclaim the Dhami government received nationwide for the exemplary organization of the Games.

Praising Dhami’s leadership, Shah added, “Despite the geographical challenges, Uttarakhand successfully hosted the National Games under CM Dhami’s guidance.”

Earlier, on January 28, Prime Minister Modi praised Dhami for his effective leadership, highlighting the green initiative of the National Games and the innovative creation of prize medals from recycled e-waste. Modi also applauded the decision to maintain a plastic-free environment during the Games and the choice to avoid petroleum-fueled vehicles for transporting athletes.

Such high praise from top BJP leaders, who are pivotal in organizational matters, has effectively quelled the criticisms Dhami faced. Even his opponents acknowledge his growing influence within the central leadership, recognizing that his governance style has garnered widespread approval among various community factions. “It appears that any task undertaken by Pushkar Singh Dhami as CM is executed flawlessly. This is the prevailing sentiment now. He has effectively muted his critics in the state, at least for the time being,” shared a party legislator in Dehradun, who preferred to remain anonymous.

Uttarakhand was honored by Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the National Games’ inauguration and Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the closing ceremony. Dhami expressed pride, stating, “Hosting the National Games for the first time in our silver jubilee year is a significant achievement for Uttarakhand. This will propel sports in the state to greater heights in the years ahead.”

Notably, over 16,000 athletes competed in 35 different sports, collectively securing 448 gold, 448 silver, and 594 bronze medals. Numerous national records were shattered, and many promising athletes emerged, signaling their potential for future international competitions.