Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 23 (ANI): Highlighting the significance of sports in daily life, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said playing a sport signifies the shared values of humanity, unity, and peace.

Addressing an event organised to mark June 23 International Olympic Day, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, ' It is a matter of great pride for us that an event has been organised in Dehradun on this International Olympic Day. This reminds us that playing a sport is not just about winning a medal but also signifies the shared values of humanity, unity and peace.'

'Today, when we talk about the Olympics, we feel proud of the achievements of our Indian athletes - be it Neeraj Chopra winning the gold medal for javelin throw, Mirabai Chanu, Lovelina or the Indian hockey team... Our Indian sportspersons, including those from Uttarakhand, are making the country proud,' he added.

Earlier in the day, Padma Bhushan awardee, eminent environmentalist and founder of HESCO, Anil Joshi, met Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at his official residence.

The Chief Minister said that on this occasion, he had a meaningful discussion with him on important topics like environmental protection, green development, and the implementation of GEP in the state.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the CM said that the ongoing Kedarnath Yatra had become a confluence of the remarkable synergy between spiritual devotion and development in the state.

Taking to X, CM Dhami announced that in a span of just 48 days, more than 11.4 lakh devotees have paid their respects at the revered Kedarnath shrine.'

Describing the pilgrimage as 'a wonderful confluence of development with faith', the Chief Minister said the surge in footfall has not only strengthened Uttarakhand's spiritual landscape but also significantly boosted its local economy.

'This is not just a pilgrimage but has become a symbol of Uttarakhand's economic, cultural and spiritual prosperity. Hail Baba Kedar!' he said, sharing updates using the hashtag #CharDhamYatra2025.

The annual Char Dham Yatra, which includes pilgrimages to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, is one of the most significant religious journeys in Hinduism.

The state government has undertaken a series of infrastructure upgrades in recent years--including improved roads, helicopter services, and better accommodation--to ensure a safer and smoother pilgrimage experience for devotees.

This year, the Kedarnath Dham has seen an unprecedented inflow of pilgrims, which officials attribute to both improved facilities and increasing spiritual interest. (ANI)