PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Sports minister Rekha Arya highlighted the impressive performances of Uttarakhand’s players during the 38th National Games in taekwondo, stating that the state is gradually becoming a hub for this sport. She said this while inaugurating the 15th National Taekwondo Championship at the multipurpose hall of Parade Ground on Saturday. Over 300 players from various states across the country are participating in the competition organised by the Uttarakhand Sports Taekwondo Association.
Speaking on the occasion, Arya emphasised the importance of incorporating sports into daily lives. She suggested that adopting a “sports card” mindset—dedicating at least one hour each day to a field sport—can reduce the reliance on health insurance options such as health cards, Ayushman cards and golden cards. Arya said that Taekwondo is essential for girls’ careers, health and self-defense.
Former Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari said that sports instill a sense of team spirit, encouraging every youth to engage in sports.
In addition, Arya inaugurated the Annual Badminton Competition 2025, organised by the Secretariat Badminton Club, at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Parade Ground on Saturday. She commended the Secretariat employees for their efforts in organising various sports competitions throughout the year, suggesting that this should serve as a model for other departments. Arya revealed that, through the Sports Legacy Programme, the State government aims to involve people of all age groups in sports to realise the vision of a fit Uttarakhand. She believed that the sports competitions organised by Secretariat employees would play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
