In a review meeting of the Sports Department held at the Chief Minister’s residence on Monday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed officials to accelerate efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and encourage youth participation in athletics.
Our correspondent reports that the Chief Minister underlined the importance of maintaining and effectively utilising the facilities developed during the 38th National Games. He said that these assets must not be left unused but should instead become hubs of regular sports activity across the state. He directed that tournaments be organised frequently to keep the facilities active and to inspire both aspiring and professional athletes.
Highlighting upcoming projects, the Chief Minister called for expediting the establishment of the proposed sports university in Haldwani and the women’s sports college in Lohaghat. He said that once completed, these institutions would provide advanced training facilities and ensure that athletes from Uttarakhand could compete at the highest levels. According to him, the timely implementation of such projects would give the state a new identity in the sports sector.
The Chief Minister also instructed the Sports and Youth Welfare Department to provide necessary support to young people preparing for the Agniveer recruitment programme. He said that youth training should not be limited to competitive sports but should also prepare individuals for careers in defence and other fields where physical fitness and discipline are crucial.
Our correspondent adds that the Chief Minister emphasised the need to organise tournaments from the Nyaya Panchayat level to state championships, including MLA, MP and Chief Minister’s trophy competitions. These events, he said, would help nurture talent at the grassroots level and encourage wider participation among school and college students. He also asked officials to intensify training efforts in preparation for the 39th National Games, ensuring that Uttarakhand athletes perform better and bring recognition to the state.
During the meeting, Dhami directed officials to ensure timely delivery of awards, scholarships and insurance benefits to outstanding sportspersons. He added that the sports department must work with private and corporate sectors to expand sports infrastructure and ensure facilities reach every corner of the state.
Our correspondent reports that the Chief Minister stressed the need for experienced coaches to be appointed in order to provide high-quality training. He said that sports academies should be set up across the state and existing plans must be executed without delay. This, he emphasised, was part of the government’s broader mission to promote a strong sports culture and give youth a positive direction for their energy.
Our correspondent adds that the meeting was attended by Sports Minister Rekha Arya, Vice President of the State Sports Council Hemraj Bisht, Principal Secretary R K Sudhanshu, Additional Chief Secretary for Sports Amit Sinha, Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, Sports Director Ashish Chauhan and other senior officials of the department. Together, they reviewed current projects and discussed ways to expand infrastructure, strengthen player support and raise Uttarakhand’s profile in national and international sports.
The Chief Minister concluded by saying that Uttarakhand has immense potential in sports because of its large youth population and the natural fitness that comes from its hilly terrain. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to creating more opportunities for athletes, supporting their careers with training and financial assistance, and ensuring the state becomes a leading contributor to India’s sporting achievements.
