Tapovan, Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the MP Sports Festival at Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya, Tapovan, on Monday, marking a major step toward promoting sports talent and fitness at the grassroots level. The Chief Minister said the initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to identify and nurture sports talent from villages to the national stage under the vision of “Fit India – Sports India – Strong India.”
Festival Aims to Promote Sports Culture and Traditional Games
The MP Sports Festival is being organized nationwide to encourage youth participation in sports and strengthen India’s sports ecosystem. In Uttarakhand, the event will be conducted in three phases, focusing on both modern and traditional games to revive local sporting traditions and promote fitness among youth across the state.
23 New Sports Academies to Be Established
Highlighting the state’s sports development roadmap, CM Dhami announced that 23 sports academies will be established in eight major cities under the Sports Legacy Plan. These academies will train 920 elite athletes and 1,000 emerging players annually, ensuring world-class coaching and facilities.
He also mentioned ongoing projects such as Uttarakhand’s first Sports University in Haldwani and a Women’s Sports College in Lohaghat, both progressing rapidly. The government has implemented a new sports policy to ensure holistic development and provide career opportunities for athletes, including out-of-turn government jobs for national and international medalists.
Incentives and Recognition for Sportspersons
The Chief Minister highlighted several state initiatives, including the Chief Minister Sports Development Fund, Emerging Player Scheme, and Sports Kit Distribution Scheme, which aim to motivate and support young athletes. Awards such as Uttarakhand Khel Ratna and Himalaya Khel Ratna continue to honor outstanding performances, while the reinstated 4% sports quota in government services provides fair opportunities for sportspersons.
CM Dhami also praised the performance of Uttarakhand athletes, who brought glory to the state by winning 103 medals at the 38th National Games, reflecting the state’s growing sports prowess.
MP Naresh Bansal Announces Sports Infrastructure Support
Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal lauded India’s progress in sports under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and reiterated the importance of programs like Fit India and the MP Sports Festival in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
He announced that funds from his MP Local Area Development Scheme would be used to build volleyball and badminton courts at Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya, Tapovan. Additionally, he pledged financial assistance for mess furniture arrangements at the school.
Dignitaries Attend the Event
The event was attended by MLA Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’, Khajan Das, Dehradun Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, CDO Dehradun Abhinav Shah, and several other distinguished guests, marking a collective commitment to nurturing sports and fitness culture in the state.
