On the occasion of National Sports Day 2025, celebrated at the Multipurpose Sports Hall Parade Ground on Major Dhyanchand Jayanti, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Mr. Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the role of sports in building discipline, energy and inspiration within society. Paying tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyanchand, Mr. Dhami said that India’s sporting identity had been introduced to the world through his skill and dedication.
He recalled how Major Dhyanchand’s ideals continue to inspire India’s sporting culture today, further strengthened under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi through flagship programs such as “Khelo India” and the “Fit India Movement.”
India’s Rising Global Sports Achievements
Citing recent achievements, the Chief Minister applauded Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, the men’s hockey team’s bronze medals, and multiple successes at the Paris Olympics and Asian Athletics Championships. He noted that India’s sports budget has been tripled under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, creating new opportunities for athletes across the country.
Uttarakhand as ‘Khelbhoomi’ Alongside ‘Devbhoomi’
Mr. Dhami stated that the successful organisation of the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand has elevated the state’s status as both ‘Devbhoomi’ and ‘Khelbhoomi.’ With Uttarakhand athletes securing 103 medals and finishing seventh nationally for the first time, the state has demonstrated its growing sporting capabilities.
World-class sports infrastructure, including the renovation of the Olympic-standard Himadri ice rink, has enabled Uttarakhand to host national as well as international events, marking a new era in winter sports in India.
New Sports Academies and University Plans
Announcing a major step forward, the Chief Minister revealed that the government will soon implement a “Sports Legacy Plan,” under which 23 sports academies will be set up in eight major cities of the state. These academies will provide advanced training to 920 elite athletes and 1000 young players annually.
In addition, Uttarakhand is establishing its first sports university in Haldwani and a dedicated women’s sports college in Lohaghat to promote inclusive growth in sports education.
Incentives and Job Opportunities for Athletes
Under the new sports policy, medal-winning athletes at national and international levels are being offered government jobs, scholarships, and free training facilities. The state government is also supporting emerging players through schemes like the Chief Minister Sports Development Fund, Chief Minister Khiladi Protsahan Yojana, Chief Minister Udiyaman Khiladi Yojana, and Khel Kit Yojana.
Recognition and Financial Assistance for Players
On this occasion, medal-winning athletes were awarded with honorariums worth Rs. 16 crore. Paris Olympics 2024 participants Ms. Mandeep Kaur, Ms. Amisha Rawat and Mr. Manoj Sarkar each received Rs. 50 lakh. Gold medalists Mr. Shaurya Saini and Mr. Abhinav Deshwal were presented with Rs. 30 lakh each. Additionally, scholarships worth Rs. 5.5 crore were distributed to 3,900 athletes under the Mukhyamantri Udiyaman Khiladi Unnayan Yojana and to 2,199 athletes under the Mukhyamantri Protsahan Yojana.
Vision for 2030 Commonwealth Games
Looking ahead, Mr. Dhami said that India has initiated efforts to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, and urged Uttarakhand’s sports community to begin preparations. He also announced the construction of an athletic synthetic track at Parade Ground and the installation of synthetic football turf at Pavilion Ground.
The event concluded with out-of-turn government appointments for Ms. Manasi Negi in the Sports Department and Mr. Mohammad Arshad in the Police Department, both recognized for their sporting achievements.
