Dhami reaffirms push to make U'khand a ‘sports state' on Int'l Olympic Day
Dehradun: Chief minister
Pushkar Singh Dhami
, while attending a state-level event to mark International Olympic Day at Parade Ground in Dehradun on Monday, felicitated state athletes who have won medals at national and international levels, and administered an oath to promote sportsmanship among players.
Addressing the gathering, Dhami said that Uttarakhand, popularly known as Devbhoomi (land of gods), and Sainyabhoomi (land of soldiers), is now working towards earning the title of Khelbhoomi (land of sports), while noting that state athletes had bagged 103 medals in the 38th National Games held earlier this year.
The CM said that work is underway to set up 23 sports academies across eight major towns, along with a dedicated sports university in Haldwani and a women's sports college in Lohaghat.
Outlining the provisions of the state's sports policy, Dhami said, "Medal-winning athletes are being offered out-of-turn govt jobs, sports scholarships, and awards including the Uttarakhand Khel Ratna and Himalaya Khel Ratna. A 4% sports quota has also been implemented in govt services.
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Highlighting that the Olympic Day is commemorated to uphold the values of sportsmanship, unity, and peace, he said, "The Olympics symbolise not just competition, but also dedication, discipline, and national pride."
The CM also lauded India's achievement in the 2023 Asian Games, calling it the nation's best performance with 107 medals. He also noted that India sent its largest contingent during the 2024 Paris Olympics with 126 athletes qualifying for the event, reflecting the strength of the sports ecosystem in the country.
Informing athletes about the Chief Minister's Emerging Athlete Promotion Scheme, Dhami said, "Incentives are being transferred via DBT to 3,900 athletes, and under the Chief Minister's Incentive Scheme, to 2,155 athletes."
Sports minister Rekha Arya, who was also in attendance, noted that sports infrastructure has seen rapid growth in the state and that the new sports policy has incorporated several provisions keeping athletes' facilities in mind.
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