North India Statesman
[ad_1]
News India Live, Digital Desk: Former Indian cricket team captain and Ranchi’s darling Mahendra Singh Dhoni will now promote Jharkhand’s waterfalls, dense forests and cultural heritage across the world. 29 January 2026 After Dhoni’s courtesy meeting with Chief Minister Hemant Soren and MLA Kalpana Soren, it has become clear that he will be the brand ambassador of the state tourism department.
1. Courtesy meeting and agreement on ‘proposal’
The picture of the sudden meeting between CM Hemant Soren and Dhoni at Ranchi Airport is going viral on social media.
CM’s message: While sharing the picture of this meeting, the Chief Minister wrote – “Meeting Mahi suddenly.”
Consent: According to sources, the Tourism Department had sent a formal request letter to Dhoni to become the brand ambassador, to which Dhoni has given his ‘in-principle consent’. Now formal on this soon MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) Will be signed.
2. The Strategic Move of the Tourism Department
Jharkhand government wants to take advantage of Dhoni’s global popularity to establish the state as a ‘premium tourist destination’:
free service: According to reports, Dhoni will not charge any fee for this branding. They will take up this responsibility only for the pride of the state.
Digital Campaign: Shooting of advertisement films with Dhoni may begin in the coming 3-4 months, which will be released on social media and international platforms.
Focus Area: Eco-tourism (Betla National Park), religious tourism (Deoghar), and adventure sports (Patratu Valley) will be promoted through Dhoni.
3. What will change with Dhoni’s addition?
| Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| global reach | Crores of Dhoni’s fans will now see Jharkhand not only as their home but also as a place to visit. |
| sports tourism | Dhoni’s presence will give new impetus to the development of sports academies and sports infrastructure in the state. |
| employment opportunities | The increase in the number of tourists will open new doors of employment for local youth and tribal communities. |
4. Has been a ‘face’ before too
This is not the first time that Dhoni is associated with a project in Jharkhand. Before this, he has also appeared in the advertisements of ‘Momentum Jharkhand’ and Agriculture Department. However, this will be his biggest official role for Tourism to date.
Symbol of Jharkhand’s ‘Sporting Legacy’
Chief Minister Hemant Soren, while mentioning Dhoni in Davos, had called him the identity of Jharkhand. Experts believe that the association of a ‘down to earth’ personality like Dhoni with tourism will change the image of Jharkhand which till now was limited to ‘minerals’ only. Now the world will see the natural beauty of Jharkhand through the eyes of ‘Mahi’.
