Sports promote discipline, unity and national spirit among students: Chief Minister
State government providing better facilities and opportunities for athletes to excel
Ghaziabad, November 2026: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday attended the closing ceremony of the 37th All India Sports Meet-2026, organised by Vidya Bharati in Ghaziabad. On the occasion, he felicitated athletes who delivered outstanding performances in various competitions and distributed awards to the winners. He also encouraged all participants for their sporting achievements.
Addressing the athletes, Dhami said sporting competitions not only help students nurture their talents but also promote discipline, unity, cooperation and national spirit among them.
He said the participation of athletes from different states across the country made the event particularly special. The gathering of sportspersons from the Himalayan frontier regions to Kanyakumari, and from the western border areas to the Northeast, offered a glimpse of India's rich diversity and unity.
Sharing memories from his student days, the Chief Minister said he was delighted to see young athletes from different linguistic, cultural and social backgrounds coming together on a common platform.
He observed that the sporting arena brings everyone together. Apart from competing, participants get an opportunity to understand one another's cultures and traditions.
Emphasising the importance of both victory and defeat, Dhami said winning provides motivation to move forward, while losing encourages individuals to identify their shortcomings and work towards delivering better performances.
Vidya Bharati's contribution to education and nation-building
The Chief Minister appreciated Vidya Bharati for its significant contribution towards strengthening education, values, discipline and the spirit of nation-building.
He noted that the organisation's journey began in 1952 with the establishment of its first Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Gorakhpur and has since expanded across different parts of the country.
Its motto, 'Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye' (Education is that which liberates), reflects the broader purpose of education, he said.
Dhami also appreciated Vidya Bharati's efforts to expand educational opportunities in remote, rural, tribal, border and underprivileged areas. He added that the organisation's schools in Uttarakhand were also making an important contribution to spreading education and traditional values.
Sports play an important role in the holistic development of students
Highlighting the importance of physical development alongside academic education, Dhami said Indian culture has traditionally accorded equal importance to intellectual and physical well-being.
Referring to the Sanskrit saying 'Shareeram Aadyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam', he said a healthy body is the foundation for fulfilling one's duties and achieving life's objectives.
He added that sports help students develop courage, patience, self-confidence, leadership qualities and teamwork.
The disciplined daily routine followed during sporting events also teaches students the importance of time management, self-reliance and collective responsibility.
Vidya Bharati providing opportunities to emerging sporting talent
Dhami said Vidya Bharati provides talented athletes with opportunities to progress through sporting competitions organised at school, state, regional and national levels.
Citing the example of Nishad Kumar, silver medallist at the Paris Paralympics 2024, the Chief Minister said determination, consistent practice and hard work could help individuals achieve even the most challenging goals.
He expressed confidence that athletes participating in the event would also bring laurels to the country at national and international sporting competitions in the future.
Centre's initiatives strengthening India's sporting culture
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continuous efforts were being made to promote a strong sporting culture across the country.
Initiatives such as Khelo India and the Fit India Movement have increased awareness among young people about sports, physical fitness and healthy lifestyles.
These programmes have also created better opportunities for talented athletes from ordinary families to showcase their abilities and pursue sporting careers.
Uttarakhand government committed to strengthening sports infrastructure
Dhami said the Uttarakhand government was equally committed to expanding sports infrastructure and resources across the state.
Continuous efforts were being made to encourage sporting talent, provide quality training facilities and create better opportunities for athletes to advance their careers.
He said the government's objective was to ensure that talented youngsters from remote areas also received adequate opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and build successful futures in sports.
Congratulating all the winning athletes, the Chief Minister wished every participant success in their future endeavours. He also appreciated the Vidya Bharati office-bearers, teachers, coaches and all those associated with organising the event for its successful conduct.
Several dignitaries attended the occasion, including Mahesh Gupta, Vidya Bharati Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Sansthan General Secretary Deshraj Sharma, All India Joint Organisation Secretary Yatindra Kumar Sharma, All India Sports Department Coordinator Muktesh Bagesha, Dr Vijay Pal, and other office-bearers, teachers and distinguished guests.
