Promoting Niti Valley will promote border economy: CM Dhami

Niti Extreme Ultra Run
my uttarakhand news Bureau
Chamoli, 1 Jun: A prize distribution ceremony was held to honour the winners of various events under the “Niti Extreme Ultra Run”, being held from 31 May to 2 June in the picturesque and strategically important Niti Valley of the border district of Chamoli.Addressing the ceremony virtually, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that this event, organised under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will provide a new impetus to tourism, employment, and the local economy in border areas.He said that, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, border villages are considered “the first villages of the country” and are being integrated into the mainstream of development, with events like the “Niti Extreme Ultra Run” being a living example of this.The Chief Minister said that through the Vibrant Village Scheme, infrastructure is being expanded in border areas and reverse migration is also being encouraged. He pointed out that the number of homestays in the Niti region has increased from 35 to over 450, a testament to the growing tourism potential in the region.
He said that this ultra run, held at an altitude of 11,000 feet, has emerged as a symbol of the youth’s indomitable courage, energy, and self-confidence. “This awakening of the Niti Valley is not just an event, but a new chapter of self-respect, self-reliance, and renewed confidence in the border areas,” he said. He added that this campaign will not stop here, but will reach every border valley of Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister congratulated all the organisers, the Indian Army, the ITBP, and the local people on the success of the event.More than 1,200 participants from 27 states across the country are participating in this unique event, organised by the Tourism Department in collaboration with the Indian Army and ITBP. The three-day event aims to promote tourism activities in border areas, give national recognition to local culture, and increase fitness awareness among youth.
Participants enthusiastically participated in various events of 5, 10, 21, 42, and 75 kilometres under the “Niti Extreme Ultra Run”. At the prize distribution ceremony held in Malari village, Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal and other guests honoured the winners with prize money and mementos.In the 5-kilometre (under-18) men’s category, Harshit Yadav came first, Ayush Kumar second, and Shivam Bhujwan third. In the women’s category, Rekha came first, Bhavana Rawat second, and Radhika third.In the 5-kilometre open men’s category, Prakash Bhatt came first, Mohammad Ashraf second, and Mohammad Quasam third. In the women’s category, Arpita Saini came first, Y Timnah second, and Anita Chauhan third.In the 10-kilometre open men’s category, Surendra Singh came first, Mannu Singh second, and Sajan Panwar third. In the women’s category, Pooja Bisht came first, Nisha Negi second, and Isha Bartwal third.In the 10-kilometre 60+ age group, Dalbir Singh came first, Govind Kumar Rana second, and Satish Chand Chauhan third.In the 21-kilometre open category, Lokesh Kumar finished first, Deepak Rawat second, and Kuldeep Negi third. In the women’s category, Priya finished first, Nikita Kholia second, and Ayushi Kanwal third.In the 21-kilometre 50+ age group, Deepesh Joshi finished first, Nandan Singh second, and Pawan third. In the women’s category, Anuda Tamang finished first, Anju Kutiyal second, and Indira Dewan third.In the 42-kilometre open category, Yash Raj finished first, Satyam second, and Mahendra Singh Bisht third. In the women’s category, Diya finished first, Arpita Saini second, and Anju third.In the 42-kilometre 40+ age group, Satpal finished first, Mahesh Yadav second, and Kalam Singh Bisht third. In the women’s category, Meena Kandhari finished first, Sushmita Rai second, and Shanti Rai third.In the 42-kilometre 60+ age group, Thomas finished first, Mukesh Rana second, and Satish Chandra third.In the 75-kilometre open category, Digambar Singh finished first, Arjun Pradhan second, and Vijay Singh third. In the women’s category, Meenakshi finished first, Meena Kumari Subba second, and Faleshwari Rajwade third.In the 75-kilometre 50+ age group, Charan Singh finished first, Kishan Badhwar second, and Ratan Singh Sonal third. In the women’s category, Asha Singh finished first, and Kashirsagara Ramsamita second.In the 75-kilometre 60+ age group, Krishna Tamang finished first, Mahipal Singh second, and Shivendra Singh Bisht third.This mega event saw widespread national participation. Over 1,200 participants from 27 states across the country brought national recognition to this event held in the border region.Category-wise competitions included 160 participants in the 75-kilometre ultra run, 155 participants in the 42-kilometre marathon, 215 participants in the 21-kilometre half marathon, 210 participants in the 10-kilometre short run, and 260 participants in the 5-kilometre fun run. Overall, over 1,100 participants participated in various running events.Tomorrow, the final day of the event, will feature a 30-kilometre MTB challenge from Gamsali to Malari, with over 100 participants.Local public representatives, officials from the Indian Army, ITBP, Medical Department, Tourism Department, and other departments, along with a large number of villagers, were present.