Tehri Garhwal: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the establishment of 23 new sports academies in Uttarakhand during a two-day Sports and Cultural Festival at the Government Inter College grounds in Thouldhar, Tehri Garhwal. The academies are expected to train 920 athletes and 1,000 players, reinforcing the state government’s vision to transform Uttarakhand into a “land of sports.”
Focus on Sports and Tourism Development
CM Dhami highlighted plans to link the mythological sites of the Thouldhar region with a tourism circuit. The government is implementing a ₹1,300 crore tourism development plan, which includes projects such as ring roads, water sports facilities, paragliding, and the development of Tivadgaon Tourism Village. The initiative aims to leverage Uttarakhand’s cultural and natural heritage to boost both pilgrimage and tourism.
“The cultural awakening in Devbhoomi has promoted pilgrimage tourism, and now we aim to establish Uttarakhand as a land of sports as well,” Dhami said.
Festival Celebrations and Honoring Local Talent
The festival concluded with a ceremonial inauguration by CM Dhami, accompanied by MLAs Pritam Singh Panwar (Dhanaulti) and Kishore Upadhyay (Tehri), along with Vinod Uniyal and Sanjay Negi, Chairman of the Backward Classes Commission. The CM was honored by the organizing committee with traditional attire and ceremonial garments.
During the event, outstanding participants in sports and cultural competitions were recognized. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to sports trainers, including Pradeep Rawat, Jyoti (PRD Sports Trainer), Rajesh Chamoli (Science In-charge), and Ram Singh Rana of Gangotri Physical Academy. Cultural performances included a mesmerizing Jagaran by Padma Shri awardee Dr. Preetam Bharatwan.
Economic and Policy Highlights
CM Dhami also spoke about initiatives contributing to Uttarakhand’s economic growth, such as solar energy programs, homestay development, the “Lakshpati Didi” scheme, coarse grain production, and self-employment opportunities. He emphasized that the state has achieved significant progress in areas like UCC compliance, land laws, anti-plagiarism and anti-riot laws, illegal encroachment removal, and Policy Commission rankings.
Regarding the Ankita Bhandari case, Dhami reaffirmed that the government supported the victim’s family and recommended a CBI investigation. The transparent probe resulted in the conviction of all three perpetrators with life imprisonment sentences.
Meeting Local Demands and Infrastructure Projects
The festival organizing committee presented a 12-point demand charter to the CM, which included construction of the Cham-Baldogi bridge, recognition for PG and BSc courses at Kamand College, and development of the Syansu-Mathiyali motor route. CM Dhami assured the committee that the government would address these demands. MLA Pritam Singh Panwar also requested the provincial recognition of Subhash Inter College, Thouldhar.
About Uttarakhand Sports and Cultural Initiatives
The new sports academies and tourism-linked development projects aim to provide both recreational and professional opportunities for youth, fostering holistic development in the state. By integrating sports, culture, and tourism, the government hopes to create sustainable infrastructure and opportunities that enhance Uttarakhand’s socio-economic and cultural landscape.
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