Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
On the second day of the State Olympic Games at Manoj Sarkar Sports Stadium in Udham Singh Nagar district headquarters, Rudrapur, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived to motivate the participating athletes. Dhami arrived in a roadshow from the helipad to the stadium. Players from across the state welcomed the Chief Minister by showering flowers along the way.
Upon arriving at the stadium, the Chief Minister hoisted the national flag alongside the Olympic flag and inspected a ceremonial march-past by athletes from various districts. To mark the official opening of the games, the Chief Minister unveiled the event mascot and medals, followed by a colorful display of balloons soaring into the sky.
In his address, Chief Minister Dhami congratulated the athletes and the organizing bodies, including the district administration and the Uttarakhand State Olympic Association. “Today is a historic day for all of us as we inaugurate the Fifth State Olympic Games of Uttarakhand. This event will not only allow our athletes to showcase their talents but will also inspire them to make a mark at the national and international levels,” he said.
He emphasized the significance of the event in providing a platform for athletes from remote areas of Uttarakhand. “The objective of these games goes beyond organizing sports competitions. It is about offering a level playing field to all hardworking and dedicated athletes, including those from the farthest corners of our state, so they can pursue their dreams,” he added.
The Chief Minister highlighted the continuous efforts of the state government to promote sports under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Our government is determined to make Uttarakhand a leading state in the field of sports. We have implemented a New Sports Policy that aims to support athletes in every possible way.”
Employment and Support for Medal-Winning Athletes
Chief Minister Dhami proudly announced the implementation of the “out of turn” government job scheme for athletes who have won medals at national and international levels. “This year, we have provided government appointments to 31 medal-winning athletes of the state,” he said. He also mentioned the establishment of the “Chief Minister Sports Development Fund,” which has doubled the prize money given to athletes.
The Chief Minister further noted the comprehensive support being provided to athletes in residential sports colleges, including free training, education, accommodation, food, and sports kits. “We are committed to nurturing young talent through the ‘Mukhyamantri Udiyaman Khiladi Unnayan Yojana’ and the ‘Mukhyamantri Khiladi Protsahan Yojana,’ which provide scholarships to emerging players. Additionally, players are receiving Rs 10,000 annually to purchase sports equipment.”
He announced an increase in the stipend for players participating in national-level competitions, with the allocation for sports kits rising from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000. “The amount given to trainers has also been increased, ensuring that both athletes and their mentors are adequately supported,” he added.
Equal Opportunities for Disabled Athletes
The state government has also introduced equal opportunities for disabled athletes. “We have given equal rights to disabled players and their trainers, ensuring inclusivity in our sports programs,” Dhami said.
In addition to this, he outlined the reimplementation of a 4% sports quota in government jobs for athletes, along with the introduction of the “Himalaya Khel Ratna Award,” complementing the existing Uttarakhand Khel Ratna and Dronacharya Awards.
Strengthening Sports Infrastructure in Uttarakhand
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance sports infrastructure across the state. “We are focused on building new playgrounds and upgrading existing ones to meet national standards,” he said. “A new women’s sports college will be established in Champawat at a cost of Rs 264 crore. Additionally, we are soon setting up a sports university to provide world-class training and opportunities for our athletes.”
Dhami also expressed his delight in Uttarakhand being chosen to host the upcoming National Games. “We are preparing our athletes through training camps, and the infrastructure for this significant event is already under development. Those athletes who excel in the State Games will have a golden opportunity to compete in the National Games.”
A Message to Athletes
The Chief Minister concluded his speech with an inspiring message to the participants. “I encourage all athletes to work hard and bring home as many medals as possible. I have full confidence that these games will give a new direction to your sports career and help you bring laurels to the state and the nation.”
Special Guests and Recognition
Special guest and Member of Parliament Ajay Bhatt also addressed the event, offering his congratulations to the athletes. “Sports instill discipline and are vital for both physical and mental development,” he said. “Our youth must be encouraged to pursue sports so they can make the state and country proud by winning medals.”
Bhatt extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dhami for their efforts in supporting sports and developing the necessary infrastructure for athletes in Uttarakhand.
The event also saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Mahesh Negi, the acting president of the State Olympic Association, who presented a memento to the Chief Minister as a token of appreciation for his support in promoting sports. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by association officials and an enthusiastic display of camaraderie among the athletes. Senior government officials, coaches, and various district representatives were also in attendance, adding to the grandeur of the inauguration.
