Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], May 23 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday unveiled the mascot for the Niti Extreme Ultra Run, "Kyalu - the Snow Leopard," scheduled to be held on May 31, 2026, according to an official press release.
The Chief Minister also flagged off the countdown run programme for the Niti Extreme Ultra Run 2026 at the Chief Minister's Camp Office and participated in a symbolic run after lighting the ceremonial torch.
According to an official statement, CM Dhami said that the Niti Extreme Ultra Run is not merely an event, but a campaign aimed at generating new energy, fresh opportunities, and renewed confidence in border areas.
CM Dhami said that the enthusiasm, energy, and confidence displayed by the youth during the programme reflect that the young people of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand are filled with courage, determination, and the spirit to achieve something significant for the nation. "The footsteps of the youth echoing here today will script history in the heights of the Niti Valley in the coming times," the Chief Minister added.
The statement further highlighted that the Chief Minister said the run is not only a test of physical endurance, but also a means to strengthen willpower, patience, and self-confidence. Participating in a run through a remote and challenging region like the Niti Valley requires high morale, unwavering faith like the Himalayas, and the courage to embrace challenges, CM Dhami added. He described the participants as brand ambassadors of the courage, tourism potential, and strength of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand today is not only a symbol of natural beauty and spiritual strength, but also a rapidly progressing "New Uttarakhand" making strides in every sector. He added that the Niti Extreme Ultra Run will emerge as a symbol of the strength and capability of this new Uttarakhand.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision that border villages are not the last villages of the country but the first, the Chief Minister said that this event is turning that vision into reality. He expressed confidence that the event would provide fresh momentum to tourism, employment, homestays, local products, and youth entrepreneurship in border areas.
According to the official statement, the Chief Minister said that the event, scheduled to be held on the sacred and rugged terrain of the Niti Valley on May 31, will write a golden chapter in the history of sports and adventure tourism in Uttarakhand.
Expressing happiness, he noted that more than 900 participants from 27 states of the country and two other nations have registered for this mega event, which reflects the growing attraction among youth towards the programme.
As per the release, the Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, campaigns such as the Fit India Movement, Khelo India, and the National Games are transforming sports and fitness into a mass movement across the country. He added that the state government is continuously working towards establishing Uttarakhand as the country's leading destination for adventure sports and sports tourism. Encouraging the participants, he urged them to take part in the run with full confidence and enthusiasm, complete it safely, and create new history in the Niti Valley on May 31.
He also extended his best wishes and congratulations to all participants and organisers for the success of the event.