Uttarakhand: The Niti Extreme Ultra Run event has officially commenced. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off the countdown run on Saturday—today—and, after lighting a ceremonial torch, participated in the symbolic race. During the event, the Chief Minister also unveiled ‘Kyalu’—the Snow Leopard—as the official mascot for the Niti Extreme Ultra Run, scheduled to take place on May 31, 2026.
CM Pushkar Singh stated that the Niti Extreme Ultra Run is not merely an event, but a campaign aimed at awakening new energy, new opportunities, and new confidence within the border regions. He remarked that the enthusiasm, energy, and self-confidence displayed by the youth at this event demonstrate that the youth of *Devbhoomi* (Land of the Gods)—Uttarakhand—are brimming with courage, determination, and a fervent passion to achieve something monumental for the nation. He added that the footsteps of the youth echoing here today will, in the times to come, create history amidst the towering heights of the Niti Valley. This race is not merely a test of physical endurance, but also a medium to strengthen one’s willpower, patience, and self-belief.
यह आयोजन राज्य के पर्वतीय क्षेत्रों में एडवेंचर टूरिज़्म और खेल संस्कृति को नई ऊँचाई प्रदान करेगा। आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी के मार्गदर्शन में हमारा प्रदेश साहसिक खेलों और पर्वतीय पर्यटन का वैश्विक केंद्र बनने की ओर अग्रसर है। pic.twitter.com/Sd4QhVhaDt
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) May 23, 2026
He emphasized that running in a rugged and challenging terrain like the Niti Valley requires indomitable spirit, unwavering faith as steadfast as the Himalayas, and the courage to embrace challenges. CM Dhami hailed the participants as the brand ambassadors of *Devbhoomi* Uttarakhand’s courage, tourism potential, and inherent capabilities. CM Dhami asserted that today, Uttarakhand stands not merely as a symbol of natural beauty and spiritual power, but as a ‘New Uttarakhand’ that is rapidly advancing in every sector. He stated that the Niti Extreme Ultra Run will serve as a symbol showcasing the strength and potential of this ‘New Uttarakhand.’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision—that border villages are not the country’s “last villages,” but rather its “first villages”—is being realized through this very event.
He expressed confidence that this event would provide fresh momentum to tourism, employment generation, homestay initiatives, local products, and youth entrepreneurship within the border regions. The Chief Minister stated that this event, scheduled to be held on May 31st on the sacred and rugged terrain of the Niti Valley, will write a golden chapter in the history of sports and adventure tourism in Uttarakhand. Expressing his delight, he noted that over 900 participants from 27 states across the country—as well as two other nations—have registered for this grand event, serving as a testament to the growing appeal of this occasion among the youth.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sports and fitness are being transformed into a mass movement across the nation through initiatives such as the ‘Fit India Movement,’ ‘Khelo India,’ and the ‘National Games.’ He added that the State Government is also working continuously to establish Uttarakhand as the country’s premier destination for adventure sports and sports tourism. Encouraging the participants, the Chief Minister urged them to compete in the race with full confidence and energy, to complete it safely, and to create new history in the Niti Valley on May 31st. He extended his best wishes and congratulations to all the participants and organizers for the success of the event.
