The much-anticipated 5th Uttarakhand State Olympic Games kicked off with a grand inauguration ceremony in Rudrapur, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami leading the event. Held at the Manoj Sarkar Sports Stadium, the event witnessed a colorful and energetic road show, where players welcomed the Chief Minister with flower showers. The Games will run until September 27, 2024, showcasing the talent of athletes from across the state.
Road Show and Grand Welcome for CM Dhami
Chief Minister Dhami’s arrival was marked by a road show that began from the helipad and concluded at the sports stadium. The players, with great enthusiasm, greeted the CM by showering flowers during his procession, creating a memorable scene for everyone present. As part of the formal inauguration, the Chief Minister hoisted both the national and Olympic flags, followed by the march past of district-level sports teams. The mascot and medals for the event were unveiled as part of the ceremonial launch.
Speaking at the event, CM Dhami expressed his congratulations to all athletes, the district administration, and the Uttarakhand State Olympic Association for their efforts in organizing such an event. He emphasized that the Games will offer local athletes a valuable platform to display their talent and potentially earn recognition at both national and international levels.
Promoting Sports in Uttarakhand with Central Government Support
The Uttarakhand government is making strong efforts to position the state as a leader in sports, as part of its broader developmental vision. CM Dhami highlighted that this effort is being supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance. Under the state’s new sports policy, various initiatives have been rolled out to support athletes.
One of the key highlights of this policy is the provision of “out-of-turn” government jobs for athletes who win medals at national and international levels. In 2024 alone, 31 athletes from Uttarakhand have been awarded government jobs under this scheme. Furthermore, the cash prize amounts for athletes have been increased significantly, with the previous amounts being almost doubled.
Providing Comprehensive Support for Athletes
CM Dhami also highlighted that players at the state’s residential sports colleges receive comprehensive support, including free training, accommodation, education, and sports kits. Emerging talents in Uttarakhand are receiving scholarships through programs such as the “Mukhyamantri Udiyaman Khiladi Unnayan Yojana” and the “Mukhyamantri Khiladi Protsahan Yojana.” Under these schemes, players are granted Rs 10,000 per year to purchase sports equipment, while the amount for national-level sports kits has been increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000. Additionally, trainers are also receiving higher financial support as part of these developments.
Himalaya Khel Ratna and Other Awards to Recognize Excellence
In addition to strengthening support for athletes, the Uttarakhand government has re-implemented a 4% sports quota in government jobs. The state has also introduced several prestigious awards, including the Himalaya Khel Ratna Award, the Uttarakhand Khel Ratna Award, and the Dronacharya Award. These awards are aimed at recognizing the contributions of athletes and coaches alike.
Infrastructure Development for Sports in Uttarakhand
Recognizing the need for improved sports infrastructure, CM Dhami revealed that new playgrounds are being built and existing ones are being upgraded to national-level standards. These developments are vital in ensuring that Uttarakhand’s athletes have the best facilities to train and compete in. The construction of a Women’s Sports College in Champawat, with a budget of Rs 264 crore, is a major upcoming project. Additionally, the state is also planning the establishment of a “Khel Vishwavidyalaya” (Sports University) which will provide athletes with world-class training facilities and opportunities for skill development.
Preparing for National Games 2024
Uttarakhand is gearing up to host the prestigious National Games, and the state is focusing heavily on developing infrastructure to accommodate this major event. Training camps for athletes are already being organized, ensuring that they are well-prepared to compete at a national level. The Chief Minister emphasized that players excelling in the State Olympic Games will likely get opportunities to represent Uttarakhand in the upcoming National Games.
Encouragement for Athletes to Win Medals
CM Dhami encouraged all participating athletes to work hard and aim for victory, not only in the state games but also in the upcoming national-level competitions. He expressed confidence that the State Olympic Games would provide a solid platform for athletes to elevate their sports careers and make the state proud with their achievements.
Commitment to Sports Development
The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to announce that the District Magistrate of Rudrapur has been instructed to identify land for constructing an office for the Olympic Association. With a focus on further expanding the state’s sports infrastructure, this move reflects the government’s commitment to promoting sports at all levels.
Encouragement from Dignitaries
On this occasion, MP Ajay Bhatt congratulated the athletes, emphasizing the importance of discipline in sports and its role in the physical and mental development of individuals. He encouraged the youth to actively participate in sports and expressed hope that Uttarakhand would shine brightly in future competitions.
The event also saw the presence of numerous dignitaries, including Minister of State Anil Kapoor Dabbu, President of the State Olympic Association Mahesh Negi, and several government officials, coaches, and referees.
