Nearly 2,000 players to be trained annually in academies in 8 major cities
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that 23 sports academies will be established in the State where 920 athletes will receive training every year. He said this while speaking at the conclusion of the Uttarakhand Premier League 2025 organised by the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand at the Rajiv Gandhi international stadium here on Sunday.
Dhami said that the State government will soon implement a sports legacy plan to develop Uttarakhand as ‘Khelbhumi’. Twenty-three sports academies will be established in eight major cities of the State under this plan. At least 920 world-class athletes and 1,000 other players will receive high-level training in these academies every year, he said.
Addressing the gathering, the CM said that sports are important not only for the physical and mental development of youths but also instill discipline, a sense of teamwork and other positive aspects in their character. Considering these factors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced programmes like Khelo India and Fit India Movement since the start of his term to encourage a sports culture in the nation. The nation has achieved greater heights in the sphere of sports under the leadership of PM Modi and is also establishing its special identity in the international arena, the CM said.
Dhami said that the youths should participate in competitions like the premier league, which are also developing a unique identity for the State. He said that players of the State had won 103 medals in the 38th National Games held earlier this year, adding that this had created history. The CM further said that Uttarakhand is also being acknowledged as one of the leading States when it comes to international-level sports infrastructure with both national and international sports competitions being hosted by Uttarakhand.
Dhami also spoke about the various measures taken by the State government to encourage sports and ensure the welfare of players in Uttarakhand. Cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal, Raipur MLA Umesh Sharma and others were also present on the occasion.
