Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
The 5th State Olympic Games commenced with a vibrant cultural program at the Manoj Sarkar Sports Stadium in Udham Singh Nagar district headquarters, Rudrapur, on Friday. The event will run until September 27, featuring athletes from across the state.
Chief Guest for the opening ceremony was Member of Parliament (MP) and former Union MoS Ajay Bhatt. The dignitaries interacted with the participating athletes and officially inaugurated the event by tossing and kicking a football. The organizers welcomed the guests with bouquets and mementos.
Addressing the gathering, MP Ajay Bhatt lauded the district administration and the State Olympic Association for organizing the event. “I congratulate the organizers for putting together this significant event. Under the Khelo India scheme, we are committed to enhancing sports infrastructure for athletes. I extend my gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Central Government for their support,” Bhatt said.
“The Pushkar Singh Dhami government is focused on nurturing young talent by organizing competitions at various levels, from Nyaya Panchayat to the state level. Sports teach discipline, and while winning is important, participation matters most,” he added, urging players to embrace sportsmanship.
Presiding over the event, MLA Shiv Arora congratulated the athletes and expressed his appreciation for the organizers. “These state-level games are a stepping stone for our players as Uttarakhand prepares to host the upcoming National Games,” he said.
In-charge President of the State Olympic Association, Mahesh Negi, thanked the district administration for its support and assured that all necessary arrangements for the players, coaches, and referees had been made. The event featured cultural performances by school students and cultural groups from the Information Department.
