PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that rapid progress is being made towards establishing 23 sports academies in eight key cities across Uttarakhand, as well as setting up a sports university in Haldwani and a women’s sports college in Lohaghat. He said this during a programme held at the Parade Ground on the occasion of International Olympic Day here on Monday.
During the event, the CM honoured players who have won medals at both international and national levels and he also administered the oath of sportsmanship to them. Dhami emphasised that this day is dedicated to the values of sportsmanship, unity and peace. He stated that the Olympics represent not just competition but also dedication, perseverance and national pride. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, significant efforts have been made to promote sports in the country and India is now emerging as a victor rather than just a participant in sports. He highlighted India’s impressive performance in the 2023 Asian Games, where the country secured 107 medals and noted that 126 Indian athletes qualified for the 2020 Olympics, which reflects the strength of the sports ecosystem in the nation.
The CM further said that the State government is committed to developing Uttarakhand as a ‘Khelbhoomi’. In the recent 38th National Games, Uttarakhand’s athletes brought pride to the State by winning 103 medals. He said that the State government is implementing various schemes under its sports policy, including out-of-turn government jobs, sports allowances and the Uttarakhand Khel Ratna and Himalaya Khel Ratna awards for medal-winning athletes. A four percent sports quota has also been established for players in state services. Additionally, incentive amounts are being transferred DBT to 3,900 players under the Mukhyamantri Udyaman Khiladi Unnayan Yojana and to 2,155 players under the Chief Minister’s Incentive Scheme.
Sports minister Rekha Arya added that, under the CM’s leadership, several provisions have been incorporated into the new sports policy to enhance facilities for athletes. She said the rapid development of sports infrastructure in the State and highlighted Uttarakhand’s opportunity to host the 38th National Games, where local athletes performed commendably.
