Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 6 Oct: Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami, today held a review meeting of the Sports Department at his official residence, here. During the meeting, he directed the officials to intensify efforts towards strengthening sports infrastructure across Uttarakhand and to actively promote youth engagement in sporting activities. He also stressed on the importance of maintaining and optimally utilising the infrastructure developed for the 38th National Games, stating that regular upkeep and consistent use were essential to sustaining the momentum of sports development in the state. He instructed that sports competitions be organised frequently at various levels to ensure that these facilities are used to their full potential.
Dhami further instructed officials to expedite the implementation of the proposed Sports University in Haldwani and the Women’s Sports College in Lohaghat. He noted that timely execution of these projects would provide advanced training opportunities to athletes from Uttarakhand and help carve out a distinct identity for the state in the national sports arena. The CM also called for the grand organisation of sporting events ranging from the Nyay Panchayat level to the MLA, MP, and Chief Minister Championship Trophies, aimed at fostering enthusiasm and widespread participation among the youth.
The CM also directed the Sports and Youth Welfare Department to extend necessary support to young aspirants preparing for Agniveer recruitment, emphasising that such initiatives would contribute to youth empowerment. In view of the upcoming 39th National Games, Dhami stressed the need to provide enhanced training and resources to athletes, and to ensure that deserving sportspersons receive timely benefits such as awards, scholarships, and insurance coverage. He also called upon the sports department to actively involve private and corporate entities in the development of sports infrastructure, thereby expanding access to facilities for the general public.
Dhami also emphasised on the importance of appointing experienced coaches to deliver quality training and called for the acceleration of work related to the establishment of sports academies in various parts of the state. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture, Dhami said that such efforts would channel the energy of the youth in a constructive and disciplined direction.
Among those present at the meeting included Sports Minister Rekha Arya, Vice Chairman of Uttarakhand State Level Sports Council, Hemraj Bisht, Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Special Principal Secretary (Sports) Amit Sinha, Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, Director, Sports, Ashish Chauhan, along with other senior officials of the Sports Department.
