By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 19 Jan: The sports infrastructure developed over the past few years for hosting the 38th National Games has placed Uttarakhand among the leading states in the country in terms of sports facilities. Making this claim, State Sports Minister Rekha Arya stated that a policy will soon be formulated to ensure the security, preservation, and smooth operation of these sports facilities.
The construction and beautification work at various venues across different districts, which are set to host the National Games, will be completed within the next three to four days. This includes sports venues in cities like Dehradun, Haridwar, Haldwani, Almora, Rudrapur, and others. Minister Rekha Arya disclosed, today, that she has personally visited each district over the past two months to inspect the ongoing construction work. All preparations are now complete, with only some final beautification and the installation of symbols for the National Games remaining, which will be completed in the next two to three days.
Minister Arya further highlighted that the stadiums, sports hostels, cycling velodromes, and other sports infrastructure built in smaller towns and villages, in addition to larger cities, will play a long-term role in establishing the state as a hub for sports. Therefore, special efforts will be required to keep these facilities operational and secure, ensuring the development of sports talent in the state. She also emphasised that the state government has not only created new sports infrastructure for the National Games but has also completed long-pending infrastructure projects.
Minister Rekha Arya stated that the government will soon introduce a policy for the maintenance and preservation of all sports infrastructure in the state under the Legacy Programme. This policy will ensure the upkeep of sports facilities and also promote the holding of national and international-level competitions at these venues. The policy will not only preserve the grounds but also provide a platform for state athletes to excel, thereby bringing recognition to, both, the state and the nation at national and Olympic levels.
