Dehradun: Uttarakhand has expanded its sports infrastructure and athlete-support measures through the state’s Sports Policy 2021, scholarship programmes, upgraded sporting facilities and employment provisions for medal-winning athletes.
The state government has also been preparing infrastructure for hosting the 38th National Games, with facilities in Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Haldwani and Rudrapur being upgraded or developed for the event.
Sports Policy 2021 Focuses on Athlete Support
The Uttarakhand Sports Policy 2021 provides measures aimed at supporting talented athletes, including provisions for scholarships, training and sports equipment for meritorious players from economically weaker backgrounds.
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The policy forms part of the state government’s efforts to expand support for athletes and strengthen sports facilities across Uttarakhand.
Scholarship Scheme for Emerging Athletes
Under the Mukhyamantri Ubhartay Khiladi Scholarship Scheme, emerging athletes between 8 and 14 years of age are eligible for a monthly scholarship of ₹1,500.
The scheme also provides for identifying sporting talent at the gram panchayat level through talent-hunt activities.
Key Sports Initiatives in Uttarakhand
- ₹1,500 monthly scholarship for eligible emerging athletes aged 8–14.
- Talent identification activities at the gram panchayat level.
- Training and sports equipment support for meritorious athletes from economically weaker backgrounds.
- Development and upgrading of sports facilities across different regions of the state.
- Provisions for direct government appointments for eligible medal-winning athletes.
Upgraded Sports Facilities Across the State
The state has undertaken development and modernisation of sports facilities in different districts.
The Maharana Pratap Sports College in Dehradun has been equipped with facilities including an athletics track, shooting range and indoor halls.
In Haldwani, the Indira Gandhi International Sports Complex includes a stadium, swimming pool and sports grounds designed to international standards.
The state has also developed synthetic hockey turfs in Pithoragarh and Pauri, while a water sports complex has been established at Tehri Lake.
Medal Winners Eligible for Government Jobs
The state government has also introduced provisions for out-of-turn government appointments for sportspersons who win medals at competitions including the Olympics, Asian Games and national-level events.
Eligible athletes can be appointed directly to gazetted and non-gazetted posts in departments including the police and sports, subject to the applicable rules and eligibility conditions.
Preparations for 38th National Games
Uttarakhand was selected to host the 38th National Games, with sporting infrastructure being developed and upgraded across the state.
Preparations have included stadium construction and beautification work in Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Haldwani and Rudrapur.
The National Games are expected to provide a major sporting platform in the state, while the infrastructure created for the event forms part of Uttarakhand’s broader sports development efforts.
Government’s Focus on Athlete Development
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the state government was committed to providing Uttarakhand’s young athletes with training, financial assistance, facilities and opportunities to compete at higher levels.
“Our government is fully committed to nurturing the talent of the youth of Devbhoomi and giving them recognition on the global stage. We have implemented a new sports policy in the state and given players every possible facility, world-class training, financial assistance and the right to government jobs,” Dhami said.
He described the hosting of the 38th National Games as a significant opportunity for Uttarakhand’s sports infrastructure and said the government’s objective was to place the state among India’s leading sporting states.
The state government said athletes from Uttarakhand are participating at national and international levels in disciplines including athletics, badminton, boxing, shooting and adventure sports.
