PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that under the Sports Legacy Plan, 23 sports academies will be established in eight major cities across the state. Each year, these academies will provide high-level training to 920 world-class athletes and 1,000 additional players. He made this announcement during the inauguration of the Sansad Khel Mahotsav at Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya in Tapovan on Monday.
The event organised nationwide under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to promote sports talent from rural areas to the national level. In Uttarakhand, the Khel Mahotsav is being held in three different phases. The goal of this competition is to spread the message of “Fit India – Sports India – Strong India” to every village, while also promoting local, traditional and folk sports.
During the event, Dhami stated that the State government is making continuous efforts to foster a sports culture in Uttarakhand. He highlighted that Uttarakhand athletes made history by winning 103 medals at the 38th National Games, bringing great pride to the State. He said that Uttarakhand is now recognised as one of the leading States in the country for its world-class sports infrastructure.
Additionally, he said that rapid progress is being made to establish Uttarakhand’s first sports university in Haldwani and a women’s sports college in Lohaghat. A new sports policy has also been implemented to promote the overall development of sports in the State and encourage athletes. CM said that the Uttarakhand Khel Ratna Award and the Himalaya Khel Ratna Award recognise the achievements of athletes. The reinstatement of a four per cent sports quota for athletes in government services ensures that the dedication and skills of athletes receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve, CM said.
Further, Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal stated that the country is making significant progress towards fulfilling the PM’s commitment for a developed India by 2047. He highlighted various programmes, including the Parliament sports competition and Fit India, which aim to showcase children’s talents. Bansal expressed pride in India’s strong performance in global sports. He also informed about plans to provide funds from his MP fund for building volleyball and badminton courts at Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya, Tapovan, as well as for furniture for the school’s mess.
