CM Dhami attends the closing ceremony of the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2025

Aug 2025 : The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, participated in the closing ceremony of the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2025, organized by the Ice Skating Association of India at the Himalayan Ice Rink, Rajat Jubilee Sports Complex, Raipur, Dehradun.

Thailand won the championship trophy. Over 200 athletes from 11 Asian countries participated in 9 different events. The Chief Minister congratulated the athletes and sports enthusiasts from across the country and said that it is a matter of great pride that the international competition, being held for the first time in India, is being hosted by Uttarakhand.

The Chief Minister said that Indian athletes have shown excellent skills, winning 4 gold medals and numerous other medals. He expressed full confidence that this competition will mark the beginning of a new era of winter sports in India and inspire Indian athletes to perform exceptionally at the international level.

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been promoting sports culture in the country through initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India Movement. Under his leadership, India is touching new heights in sports and making a distinct identity on the global stage.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has developed world-class sports infrastructure in Uttarakhand by building modern stadiums at a cost of Rs. 517 crores and providing international-level sports equipment at a cost of around Rs. 100 crores. This has made Uttarakhand an important destination for organizing not only national but also international sports competitions.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has implemented a Sports Legacy Plan to promote sports in the state, which includes setting up 23 sports academies in 8 cities. The government is also working on establishing the first sports university and women’s sports college in the state.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched a new sports policy, under which medal winners at national and international levels are being provided with out-of-turn government jobs. The government is also providing encouragement to emerging young athletes through various programs like the Chief Minister’s Sports Development Fund, Chief Minister’s Player Promotion Scheme, and Sports Kit Scheme.

On this occasion, Special Secretary Shri Amit Sinha, President of the Ice Skating Association of India Shri Amitabh Sharma, and other officials, Asian Skating Union, Uttarakhand Ice Skating Association officials, organizers, sports department officials, athletes, and coaches, along with a large number of spectators, were present.

Information and Public Relations Department