Almora: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the much-awaited “Sansad Khel Mahotsav” at the Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Stadium in Almora on Monday. The sports festival, aimed at promoting the Fit India, Fit Uttarakhand initiative, witnessed the participation of athletes, sports enthusiasts, and community members from across the region. Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta was also present at the event, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.
Promoting a Sports Culture Across Uttarakhand
Under CM Dhami’s leadership, Uttarakhand has witnessed a transformative approach to sports development. The state government has undertaken significant measures to enhance sports infrastructure, implement policies to identify and nurture athletic talent, and encourage widespread community participation in sporting activities. According to officials, the new sports policy recognizes and rewards talent while creating avenues for professional growth and skill development for athletes across the state.
State-Level Sports League and Academies
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, CM Dhami emphasized the government’s vision of transforming Uttarakhand into a major sports hub. “Our government is planning and implementing a state-level sports league. Through this initiative, 23 sports academies will be established in eight major cities, providing high-level training to 920 world-class athletes along with thousands of other players,” he said. He further announced plans to establish Uttarakhand’s first sports university in Haldwani and the state’s first women’s sports college in Lohaghat, underlining the commitment to both elite and grassroots sports development.
Nationwide Initiative Gains Momentum
The Sansad Khel Mahotsav 2025-26 is part of a nationwide initiative to strengthen grassroots sporting culture and promote community participation. The event was earlier inaugurated in Jorhat by Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, and is now being carried out across various constituencies in India. The festival aims to foster sportsmanship, identify emerging local talent, and encourage youth engagement in physical activities.
Highlights from the Inaugural Events
As part of the Mahotsav, a half-marathon was organized with separate categories for male and female participants. Around 1,000 runners participated across different age groups and three distance categories. Prize money was awarded to top performers, with Rs 50,000 for the winner, Rs 15,000 for the first runner-up, Rs 7,000 for the second runner-up, Rs 5,000 for the third runner-up, and Rs 3,000 for the fourth runner-up, acknowledging the dedication and sporting spirit of the participants.
Strengthening Community Engagement and Local Talent
The launch of the Sansad Khel Mahotsav in Almora reaffirms the government’s commitment to promoting fitness, youth empowerment, and an inclusive sporting culture. By providing platforms for local talent and fostering community spirit, the initiative seeks to build a sustainable ecosystem that encourages participation in sports at both grassroots and professional levels.
The event marks a significant step towards realizing the vision of Fit India, Fit Uttarakhand, while creating opportunities for emerging athletes to showcase their skills on state, national, and international platforms.
