Tourism Breaking News
- Honouring the winning athletes, 1600 Rudraksha trees were planted in the state of Uttarakhand
- Gulmohar seeds distributed to the athletes to carry back and plant in their home states across India
- Thomas Cook India is also the exclusive partner across accommodation, catering and transport (ACT) for the National Games – managing a 20,000-member contingent, including over 10,000 athletes, 5000 support staff and 3000 dignitaries
Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, collaborated with the Uttarakhand Government for the pioneering Green Games initiative at the National Games 2025 in Uttarakhand. Through this innovative initiative, over 1,600 Rudraksha trees were planted in honour of the winning athletes at an expansive 2.77- hectare Sports Forest (Khel Van) near Maharana Pratap Sports College. Additionally, Gulmohar tree seeds were distributed to athletes to plant and nurture in their home states, thus extending the initiative’s impact across the length and breadth of India.
This initiative was made possible through the vision and support of the Uttarakhand Government, the Indian Olympic Association, the National Games Secretary, Department of Sports in Uttarakhand and all stakeholders, ensuring that the National Games upheld the highest standards of organisation and sustainability. Additionally, the students from The Oasis – The Oberai School will ensure sustained care and maintenance of the planted trees.
The Rudraksha tree holds deep spiritual and medicinal significance and thrives in Uttarakhand’s unique climate, while the Gulmohar tree, known for its adaptability across diverse terrain and weather conditions, acts as an excellent soil binder and shade provider nationwide.
The launch event, held on February 12, 2025, witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand; Shri Subodh Uniyal, Forest Minister of Uttarakhand and Shrimati P.T. Usha, President – Indian Olympic Association. The Thomas Cook India team was led by Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited.
Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the initiative during the opening ceremony, recognising its role in fostering long-term ecological awareness. The significance of this game-changing initiative was further amplified by Thomas Cook India’s exclusive partnership with the Uttarakhand government as the official ACT (accommodation, catering and transport) partner for the National Games 2025. The company is exclusively managing a 20,000-member contingent, including over 10,000 athletes, 5000 support staff, and 3000 dignitaries.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited, “Thomas Cook India is honoured to partner with the Uttarakhand Government for the pioneering Green Games initiative. As the exclusive ACT partner (accommodation, catering and transportation) for the National Games, we are proud to go beyond logistics and operations to champion a cause that will leave a lasting impact. The vision and leadership of the Uttarakhand Government, the Indian Olympic Association, and all stakeholders have been instrumental in delivering a Games of this scale and quality. Never before have athletes led the charge in sustainability like this. With over 1600 Rudraksha tress being planted in honour of the winners and athletes carrying Gulmohar tree seeds back to their home states, we are sparking a nationwide movement—one that turns every participant into an ambassador for India’s green future. By working with the Government of Uttarakhand, we aim to leave behind a green legacy that extends beyond the Games.”
Through its impactful contribution in the Green Games initiative, Thomas Cook India reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, helping ensure that the impact of the National Games extended beyond the competition, leaving a lasting green legacy for generations to come. With this endeavour, the government has elevated the standard of national sporting events and set a sustainable precedent for all National Games to come.
