International water sports competition ends at Tehri Lake, CM hails emergence of area as hub of tourism & adventure sports
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/New Tehri
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that Tehri Lake is no longer merely a centre for energy production or water management; it has become a significant source of tourism, adventure sports and new livelihood opportunities for local residents. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the International President’s Cup-2025 and the Fourth Tehri Water Sports Cup-2025, held at Tehri Lake on Sunday, Dhami said that the government will organise such events regularly in the future to promote adventure sports and tourism.
Interacting with players from India and various other countries, he said that the participation of over 300 athletes from 22 countries added international significance to the event, placing Tehri Lake on the global adventure sports map.
The CM expressed his gratitude to all partners, including THDCIL and others, for contributing to the success of the event. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India, which aim to strengthen the country’s sports culture.
He said that the success of the 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand this year has established the State as both “Devbhoomi” and “Khelbhoomi”. He expressed pride in the fact that for the first time, the State’s athletes secured seventh place in the National Games, winning 103 medals. The CM said that the State government has consistently worked to develop world-class sports infrastructure. He cited the example of the recent international competition held at the ice rink at Dehradun Sports Stadium, which marks the beginning of a new era for winter sports in India.
Dhami said that the Sports Legacy Plan will soon be implemented in the State, under which 23 sports academies will be established in eight major cities. These academies will provide high-level training for 920 international-level athletes and an additional 1,000 athletes each year. The government is also actively working to establish the state’s first sports university in Haldwani and a women’s sports college in Lohaghat. He said that under the new sports policy, government jobs are being offered to athletes who win medals at national and international levels, and training and education at sports colleges will be provided free of charge. Additionally, the four per cent sports quota for athletes in government services has been reinstated, Dhami said.
He congratulated the competition winners and emphasised that sportsmanship is more important than winning or losing. He expressed pride in the players for exemplifying positive sportsmanship through their performances and assured that both the Central and State governments will always be ready to support their dreams and provide any necessary assistance.
