Thomas Cook India Partners with the Uttarakhand Government, and Champions Environmental Sustainability
at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand
- Thomas Cook India was 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
- 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
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.
This was a humongous task, involving huge numbers, but we did it!
- As the exclusive partner we had to deliver end-to-end management across 3 key portfolios of accommodation, catering and transport for a 20,000 strong contingent, including over 10,000 athletes, 5,000 support staff, and 3,000 dignitaries. To ensure a smooth and world class experience, Thomas Cook India had set up a dedicated team of over 200 members to manage operations across 11 locations and 32 venues over a duration of 18 nights.
- The Olympic-style, multi-sport extravaganza brought together top athletes from across India’s States and Union Territories, featuring 32 sporting disciplines and 4 demonstration events that were held in Uttarakhand from January 28-February 14, 2025.
- Key highlights of the partnership:
- Management of over 50,000 room nights across multiple locations and venues
- More than 250,000 meals prepared in live kitchens for athletes, support staff, and dignitaries
- Over 5,000 coaches and 12,000 small vehicle duties to ensure smooth operations
- A dedicated 24/7 control room with a toll-free number to support all event-related queries
- Planting of over 1,000 trees by Thomas Cook India as part of the Green Games initiative
- Additionally, as a goodwill gesture, Thomas Cook India sponsored the physiotherapy services throughout the 38th National Games. A dedicated team of 54 highly trained physiotherapists comprising of a project lead, 4 lead physiotherapists, 30 male and 20 female physiotherapists provided critical support across all venues, ensuring comprehensive coverage and care for all the participants.
Rooted in Honour, Growing with Purpose
In a heartfelt blend of environmental stewardship and sporting excellence, our company had the privilege of contributing to a unique CSR initiative during the National Games in Uttarakhand. As a tribute to the spirit of victory and resilience, a rudraksha tree was planted in honour of each winner, bearing their name as a lasting symbol of their achievement. This green gesture goes beyond commemoration — it represents our shared commitment to sustainability, hope, and peace. Through this initiative, we not only celebrate the champions of today but also nurture a greener, more conscious tomorrow.
Thomas Cook (India) Limited, 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 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.
A big shout out to the the Thomas Cook Team for taking on this humongous project and seeing it through with such great success. Their commitment, hard work and utter dedication in driving this initiative is really commendable.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa, said “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 the stakeholders have been instrumental in delivering the Games of this scale and quality. Never before have athletes led the charge in sustainability like this. With over 1600 Rudraksha trees 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 to ensure that the impact of the National Games extended beyond the competition, leaving a lasting green legacy for future generations. With this endeavour, the government has elevated the standard of national sporting events, and set a sustainable precedent for all National Games to come.
As these rudraksha saplings take root and grow, so does the legacy of the winners they honour. Each tree is a living testament to human determination, discipline, and the power of positive action—both on the field and off it. Through this initiative, we are proud to stand at the intersection of sport and sustainability, where every achievement is celebrated not just with a medal, but with a meaningful step toward a greener future. This is more than a CSR project—it is a promise to nurture what matters, for generations to come.
