Sunday, 12 JANUARY 2025 | PNS | DEHRADUN
With the organisation of the 38th National Games, the dreams of athletes from the mountainous regions will be fulfilled, the former international hockey player and coach known for his role in the movie Chak De India, Mir Ranjan Negi said. He expressed his excitement about the upcoming National Games and emphasised that this event will provide a platform for sports talent to shine, creating a sports environment in Uttarakhand that will attract international attention.
Negi confirmed that he plans to attend the National Games in Uttarakhand and extended his best wishes to chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for this event. He said that the organisers of the National Games have reached out to him and he is eager to return to his birthplace for this significant sports event.
He stressed that after the National Games, a supportive atmosphere for sports will emerge in Uttarakhand, leading to positive changes. He acknowledged that in the past, players from the mountains faced challenges in fulfilling their dreams due to a lack of facilities. However, he believes that the National Games will change this scenario. Further, he noted that the government is now prioritising sports, which has led to an increased budget and improved facilities.
Negi also highlighted the advancements in sports technology and training since his sporting days, stating that the resources available now were not present during his time.
Notably, originally from the Almora district, Negi has been residing in Indore, Madhya Pradesh for a long time. However, his ties to Uttarakhand remain strong, as he often appears in Uttarakhandi films and provides guidance to players at the Maharana Pratap Sports College in Dehradun.
