Uttarakhand CM Declares State Ready to Host International Sports Competitions

Aug 2025 : On the occasion of Major Dhyan Chand Jayanti and National Sports Day 2025, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that the state is now fully prepared to host international-level sporting events.

Speaking at the National Sports Day celebration at Parade Ground’s Multipurpose Sports Hall, the Chief Minister highlighted that under the Mukhyamantri Udaymaan Khiladi Unnayan Yojana, a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of ₹1,500 each was made into the accounts of 3,900 athletes on Friday.

Dhami emphasized that sports and sportsmanship bring energy, discipline, and inspiration to society. He recalled how Major Dhyan Chand, through his hockey stick, introduced the world to India’s sporting power, even demonstrating to Hitler the true meaning of patriotism. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is emerging as a global sporting powerhouse, and Uttarakhand is determined to play its part.

He praised national initiatives like Khelo India and the Fit India Movement, which are shaping a strong sporting culture. Dhami noted that Indian athletes today no longer just participate but step onto the field with the resolve to win and see the tricolor fly high.

Citing examples, he said:

• At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Neeraj Chopra won a historic gold in javelin while the men’s hockey team secured a bronze after 41 years.
• At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Neeraj Chopra won silver, Manu Bhaker earned two bronze medals, Swapnil Kusale and Aman Sehrawat bagged one bronze each, and the men’s hockey team won a second consecutive bronze.
• In the recent Asian Athletics Championship, Jyoti Yaraji, Gulveer Singh, and Avinash Sable all clinched gold medals.

The CM credited PM Modi’s efforts, noting that the national sports budget has tripled in recent years.

Uttarakhand: From “Land of Gods” to “Land of Sports”

Dhami highlighted the successful hosting of the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, which marked a historic milestone. With the state winning 103 medals and securing 7th rank for the first time, Uttarakhand established itself as not just Devbhoomi (Land of Gods) but also as a budding Khelbhoomi (Land of Sports).

World-class sports infrastructure has now been developed in the state. The Himadri Ice Rink, India’s only Olympic-standard rink, has been renovated and has already hosted international-level competitions—ushering in a new era for winter sports in India.

Future Plans: Sports Academies & Universities

The CM announced that the government will soon implement a Sports Legacy Plan, under which 23 sports academies will be set up across eight major cities. These will train around 920 world-class athletes and 1,000 other players annually.

Additionally:

• Uttarakhand’s first Sports University is coming up in Haldwani.
• A Women’s Sports College will be established in Lohaghat.
• Under the new sports policy, medalists at national and international levels will be offered government jobs.
• Residential sports college athletes will receive free education and training, while scholarships will support talented youth.

Recognition & Rewards for Athletes

On National Sports Day, the state government distributed over ₹16 crore in honorarium to 250 athletes and coaches.

• Olympians Mandeep Kaur, Amisha Rawat, and Manoj Sarkar were awarded ₹50 lakh each.
• International gold medalists Shaurya Saini and Abhinav Deshwal received ₹30 lakh each.
• Scholarships worth ₹5.5 crore were transferred to 3,900 athletes (Udaymaan Khiladi Yojana) and 2,199 athletes (Prerna Yojana).

Announcements & New Initiatives

The CM revealed that India is preparing to bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, urging youth and sports bodies to begin preparations now. He also announced:

• Construction of a synthetic athletic track at Parade Ground.
• Installation of a synthetic football turf at Pavilion Football Ground.

During the ceremony, players who recently won medals were honored, with Mansi Negi receiving an appointment in the Sports Department and Mohammad Arshad in the Police Department under out-of-turn recruitment.

Sports Minister Rekha Arya added that through the National Games, Uttarakhand has set benchmarks across multiple fields, and the government’s push for sports infrastructure will ensure that every household in the state produces future athletes.

The event was attended by MP Mala Rajyalakshmi Shah, Sports Council Vice-Chairman Hemraj Bisht, Principal Secretary Amit Sinha, Sports Director Ashish Chauhan, and other senior officials.