Uttarakhand: Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off the countdown run program of NITI Extreme Ultra Run 2026 at the Chief Minister Camp Office on Saturday and participated in the symbolic run by lighting the torch. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also unveiled the mascot “Kyaalu – Snow Leopard” of the NITI Extreme Ultra Run to be held on 31 May 2026.
The Chief Minister said that Niti Extreme Ultra Run is not just an event but a campaign to awaken new energy, new opportunities and new confidence in the marginal areas. He said that the enthusiasm, energy and confidence of the youth in the program shows that the youth of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand are full of courage, determination and passion to do something big for the country. He said that the footsteps of the youth resonating here today will create history at the heights of Niti Valley in the times to come.
The Chief Minister said that this race is not only a test of physical ability but also a medium to strengthen willpower, patience and self-confidence. He said that to run in an inaccessible and challenging area like Neeti Valley, high courage, unshakable faith like the Himalayas and courage to accept challenges are necessary. He described the participants as brand ambassadors of courage, tourism and potential of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister said that today Uttarakhand is not only a symbol of natural beauty and spiritual strength, but is also a new Uttarakhand which is progressing rapidly in every field. He said that Niti Extreme Ultra Run will become a symbol of the display of strength and capability of the new Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister said that the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that the border villages are not the last but the first villages of the country is being realized through this event. He expressed confidence that this event will provide new momentum to tourism, employment, homestays, local products and youth entrepreneurship in marginal areas.
The Chief Minister said that this program to be organized on the sacred and inaccessible land of Niti Valley on May 31 will write a golden chapter in the history of sports and adventure tourism of Uttarakhand. Expressing happiness, he said that more than 900 participants from 27 states of the country and 2 other countries have registered for this mega event, which is a proof of the growing attraction among the youth towards this event.
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, sports and fitness are being made a mass movement in the country through campaigns like Fit India Movement, Khelo India and National Games. He said that the state government is also continuously working to make Uttarakhand the leading adventure sports and sports tourism destination of the country. Encouraging the participants, the Chief Minister said that they should participate in the race with full confidence and energy and by completing it safely, create a new history in Niti Valley on 31st May. He congratulated and congratulated all the participants and organizers for the success of the program. On this occasion, Secretary Tourism Shri Dhiraj Garbyal, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Council Shri Narendra Bhandari and many participants were present.