Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the closing ceremony of the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2025 on August 23rd (Saturday), an event he hailed as the beginning of a new era for winter sports in India. The competition, which took place at the Himadri Ice Rink in Raipur, drew over 200 athletes from 11 countries across Asia. This event marks the first time that India has hosted such a major international winter sports competition, a moment of immense pride for the state.
The Chief Minister presented the championship trophy to the winning team from Thailand, while also commending the performance of Indian athletes who secured four gold medals. The event showcased the exceptional talent of participants in nine different categories, ranging from individual sprints to team relays, captivating spectators with its high-speed and dynamic action. According to Dhami, the successful and grand organization of this event serves as a testament to Uttarakhand’s capability to host world-class international competitions.
In his address, the Chief Minister underscored the state government’s commitment to transforming Uttarakhand into a “Sports Land” (Khelbhoomi). He highlighted the progress made since the successful hosting of the 38th National Games earlier this year, where Uttarakhand’s athletes achieved a historic seventh-place finish with a total of 103 medals. To further this vision, the government has invested ₹517 crore in building state-of-the-art stadiums and an additional ₹100 crore in procuring international-level sports equipment.
The Himadri Ice Rink, the venue for the competition, holds a special place in this narrative. The Chief Minister pointed out that it is the country’s only Olympic-standard ice rink, which has been restored and dedicated to the players after being closed for 14 years. Its reopening for a competition of this magnitude is a significant milestone for the development of ice sports in India.
The Chief Minister also outlined several new policy initiatives aimed at promoting sports and encouraging athletes. These include the implementation of a ‘Sports Legacy Plan’, under which 23 sports academies will be established in eight cities across the state. The government is also fast-tracking the establishment of the state’s first Sports University and a dedicated Women’s Sports College. In a move to provide greater career security for athletes, the government has reinstated the 4% sports quota in state government jobs and announced a policy to provide out-of-turn government employment to national and international medal winners.
The VUK Sports Correspondent provides detailed coverage of sporting events across Uttarakhand, India, and the world. From local leagues to international championships, the correspondent highlights the performances, challenges, and spirit of athletes. Each report aims to capture not just the scores but also the stories behind the game. Readers can rely on consistent updates that bring the excitement of sports directly to them.
