Nainital: In a major push to transform Uttarakhand into a premier sports destination, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the implementation of the Sports Legacy Plan, aimed at building world-class sports infrastructure and nurturing elite athletes. The announcement was made during the inauguration ceremony of the Asian Cadet Cup (Under-17 Fencing Tournament) at the Gaulapar International Stadium.
“Uttarakhand is on the path to becoming a ‘Khel Bhoomi’ — a land of sports. The Sports Legacy Plan will lay the foundation for long-term athlete development and world-class training infrastructure,” the Chief Minister stated.
23 Sports Academies in 8 Cities to Train Over 1,900 Athletes Annually
As part of the Sports Legacy Plan, the state government will establish 23 sports academies across eight major cities in Uttarakhand. These academies are expected to provide advanced training to 900 world-class athletes and 1,000 additional players every year, helping identify and nurture young sporting talent.
CM Dhami highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Uttarakhand’s position not just in national, but also international sporting arenas.
Read also: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Announces Revised GST Rates from Sept 22 to Boost Consumer Relief
Historic Hosting of Asian Cadet Cup in Devbhoomi
While inaugurating the fencing championship, CM Dhami proudly noted that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is hosting the Asian Fencing Championship for the first time, marking a significant achievement for the state’s sports ecosystem.
The event, being held at the state-of-the-art Gaulapar Stadium, showcases the growing capability of Uttarakhand to organize global sporting events.
Massive Investment in Sports Infrastructure
The Chief Minister detailed the state’s investments in sports development:
- ₹517 crore spent on constructing a world-class stadium in Gaulapar.
- ₹100 crore allocated for procurement of international-standard sports equipment.
- Ongoing construction of Uttarakhand’s first sports university in Haldwani.
- Establishment of a dedicated women’s sports college in Lohaghat.
These investments, according to CM Dhami, are positioning Uttarakhand as a rising hub for sports in India.
New Sports Policy and Athlete Welfare Measures
The government has rolled out a new sports policy, under which:
- Medal-winning athletes at national and international levels will be offered “out-of-turn” government jobs.
- The previously discontinued 4% sports quota in state services has now been reinstated.
These steps are designed to reward sporting excellence and ensure job security for athletes contributing to the state’s and nation’s pride.
Boosting Connectivity and Hospitality for Sports Tourism
To further support sports development and tourism:
- CM Dhami announced plans to upgrade Pantnagar Airport to international status, with discussions already held with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation.
- The government also plans to introduce new train services and encourage the construction of large hotels to accommodate players, officials, and spectators during major events.
Appeal for Environmental Awareness and Drug-Free Youth
Addressing the audience at the stadium, CM Dhami urged athletes and spectators to:
- Be environmentally conscious and spread awareness about water conservation.
- Stay away from drugs and harmful substances, focusing instead on health and fitness.
- He began his speech with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, energizing the audience.
Conclusion
Uttarakhand’s Sports Legacy Plan, backed by significant infrastructure, policy reforms, and a clear vision, is set to redefine the state’s sporting landscape. The inauguration of the Asian Cadet Cup serves as a symbolic start to this transformative journey, one that aspires to place Uttarakhand firmly on the national and international sports map.
