CM lays foundation of State Sports University, honours athletes on National Sports Day
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 29 Aug: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today laid the foundation stone of the first phase of construction works of the Uttarakhand State Sports University at the Mansakhand Sports Complex, Gaulapar, Haldwani, coinciding with the celebration of National Sports Day on the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 43.50 crores, is expected to mark a significant milestone in the state’s sporting journey. On the occasion, the CM also inaugurated the university’s first academic session, describing it as a new chapter in Uttarakhand’s sports history.
Addressing the gathering, Dhami also paid tribute to Hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, calling him not only a great player but also a symbol of discipline, dedication and patriotism whose extraordinary skills brought glory to India. He said the establishment of the sports university is a long‑awaited achievement for the state, as until now players had to travel to other states for specialised sports education and advanced training. The new institution, he said, would provide high‑quality education, modern facilities and better opportunities within Uttarakhand itself, preparing a new generation of athletes for national and international platforms.
Dhami emphasised that the government’s vision is to transform Uttarakhand from Devbhoomi and Veerbhoomi into ‘Khelbhoomi’. He said the state’s athletes had already brought laurels at national and international levels, inspiring thousands of the youth. He added that the government is committed towards ensuring that no talented player’s dreams are hindered by lack of resources, financial difficulties or opportunities. He also mentioned several initiatives including the Mukhyamantri Udayman Khiladi Unnayan Yojana, under which scholarships are provided to players aged 8 to 14 years, and the Mukhyamantri Khiladi Protsahan Yojana, which supports players aged 14 to 23 years with monthly scholarships and financial assistance for equipment. He also stated that the insurance and emergency aid schemes have also been introduced for players facing injuries or unforeseen circumstances.
On this occasion, the CM also announced that the Mukhyamantri Khel Vikas Nidhi has been constituted to identify talented players, to provide them with advanced training and to promote the local and traditional sports. He said medal winners at national and international levels are being given out‑of‑turn appointments in government services. He reminded that 29 athletes have already been appointed and that the process is underway for medal winners of the 38th National Games. He further informed that the state’s first girls’ sports college is also being run at Lohaghat and that the draft of the Uttarakhand Sports Policy‑2026 had been prepared to meet future challenges and opportunities. Under the ‘Ek Janpad‑Ek Khel’ scheme, each district would develop its unique sporting identity, while 23 new hi‑tech sports academies were being established across the state.
The CM also stressed that the government is preparing a special roadmap to ensure maximum medals in the 2027 National Games and a strong presence of Uttarakhand athletes in the 2036 Olympics. He stressed the role of modern technology in enhancing performance and mentioned the development of the ‘Mauli AI Application’ to regularly assess the fitness of emerging players. He urged athletes to give their hundred per cent on the field with hard work and dedication, assuring them that the government would stand firmly behind their aspirations.
On the occasion, Dhami also honoured medal‑winning athletes and their coaches from national and international competitions. The awards presented included the Devbhoomi Uttarakhand Khel Ratna, Dronacharya Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and Himalaya Ratna. Athletics player Ankita received the Khel Ratna, while Coach Lokesh Chaudhary was honoured with the Dronacharya Award. Shooter Abhinav Deshwal was also conferred the Khel Ratna, kayaker Mukesh Sharma received the Dronacharya Award, and boxer Mukesh Chandra Belwal was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. In the para‑sports category, shooter Shaurya Saini was honoured with the Himalaya Ratna. Modern Pentathlon athletes Saksham Pratap Singh and Mamta Khati, along with boxer Khushi Chand, were also awarded the Himalaya Khel Ratna. All awardees were presented with cash prizes, citations, blazers and shawls.
Other athletes honoured included Ankita in athletics, Khushi Chand in boxing, Manisha Chauhan in hockey, Rafique Ahmed in volleyball, Bhumika and Rahul Singh in kabaddi, Chirag Baretha, Manoj Sarkar and Mandeep Kaur in badminton, Saksham Pratap Singh in modern pentathlon, Shefali Rawat in blind football, Nilima Rai in para lawn bowls and Aryavansh Tyagi and Bhumi in shooting. Coaches recognised for their contribution included Lokesh Kumar in athletics, Bijendra Mall in boxing, Amit in shooting, Girish Kumar in volleyball and Nitin Kumar in kabaddi.
Among those present were Sports Minister Rekha Arya, MP Ajay Bhatt, MLAs Mohan Singh Bisht, Ram Singh Kaira and Sarita Arya, District Panchayat Chairperson Deepa Darmwal, Haldwani Mayor Gajraj Singh Bisht, political functionaries in the government Anil Kapoor Dabbu, Dinesh Arya, Shankar Koranga, Dhruv Rautela, Suresh Bhatt, Renu Adhikari, Hukum Singh Kunwar, Deepak Mahra, Kuldeep Butola and Mohan Pathak. Also present were Uttarakhand Olympic Association president Mahesh Negi, Special Principal Secretary Sports Amit Kumar Sinha, Kumaon Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Rawat, IG Nivedita Kukreti, District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal, Sports Director Deepti Singh and SSP Manjunath TC.
