Devbhoomi Emerging Strongly as a Land of Sports: CM Dhami

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami declared that Uttarakhand, known as Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods), is now emerging powerfully as Khelbhoomi (Land of Sports). Speaking at a grand event held at the DSA Ground in Nainital on Friday, CM Dhami announced that the ground will be developed into a Model Sports Centre equipped with high-level facilities to host national competitions and training camps.

He further announced plans to construct alternative parking spaces in Nainital and to install a hockey turf and boxing ring at the Flats Ground, which will henceforth be reserved exclusively for sports and cultural events, restricting all other commercial activities to protect the interests of local athletes. CM Dhami also noted that seven national-level sports events have recently been successfully held in Nainital and Haldwani as part of the 38th National Games.

Addressing the audience, he emphasized that true victory lies in embracing sportsmanship beyond wins and losses. “Devbhoomi is now confidently progressing as a sports land,” he said. Highlighting the broader impact of sports, the CM noted that they nurture qualities like discipline, teamwork, and resilience, besides supporting physical and mental growth.

Praising national initiatives like ‘Khelo India’ and ‘Fit India’ launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said these have laid a strong foundation for a thriving sports culture in the country, and that India is now making its mark on global sporting platforms. Uttarakhand, he said, is also moving forward on this path.

Referring to the recent 38th National Games, the CM proudly stated that Uttarakhand athletes won 103 medals, enhancing the state’s prestige. These events were celebrated across the state, with Nainital and Haldwani hosting several competitions.

He also revealed that the state will soon launch a Sports Legacy Plan, under which 23 sports academies will be established in eight major cities, offering high-level training to hundreds of athletes annually. He informed that Uttarakhand’s first sports university is being set up in Haldwani, while a women’s sports college is coming up in Lohaghat.

The CM highlighted that under the new State Sports Policy, national and international medal winners are being offered out-of-turn government jobs. Additionally, schemes like the Mukhyamantri Sports Development Policy, Player Incentive Scheme, Udaymaan Khiladi Yojana, and the Sports Kit Scheme are supporting budding talent. Prestigious recognitions like the Uttarakhand Khel Ratna and Himalaya Khel Ratna Awards are also boosting the morale of athletes.

The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including BJP District President Pratap Singh Bisht, MLAs Sarita Arya (Nainital), Ram Singh Keda (Bhimtal), Fakir Ram Tamta (Gangolihat), Mandi Chairman Anil Kapoor Dabbuu, State Ministers Suresh Bhatt and Dinesh Arya, Mayor Gajraj Singh Bisht, Ajay Verma (Mayor of Almora), BJP Women’s Wing State General Secretary Bhavna Mehra, and program organizers Mohan Arya and Shanti Mehra.

Also present were senior officials including Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, DIG Kumaon Ridhim Aggarwal, DM Vandana Singh, SSP Prahlad Narayan Meena, SDM, and other departmental officers.

— Department of Information & Public Relations