CM participates in Saansad Khel Mahotsav in Doon
my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 25 Dec: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the closing ceremony of the Saansad Khel Mahotsav 2025 at the Old Multipurpose Hall in Tibetan Market here today. On this occasion, he also honoured the winning teams from various sports competitions. Paying homage to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna recipient Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary, Dhami observed that the day is not merely a date on the calendar but a moment to salute national integration, good governance and democratic values. He stated that Vajpayee’s life exemplified how politics is not a tool for power but a pledge for national service. From the creation of Uttarakhand state to giving the nation a new direction, Vajpayee always dreamt of promoting the youth, sportspersons and talent.
Dhami added that the empowered, confident, and disciplined young India emerging today through sports is a true tribute to the ideals of late Vajpayee. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi guided and encouraged the athletes through a virtual medium during the conclusion of the Saansad Khel Mahotsav. The CM stated that the event, started with the inspiration of the PM, has today become more than just an event and that now it is a powerful medium for identifying sporting talent from every village. This festival has provided a platform for the youth of the state to establish their identity at the district, state, and national levels. It serves as a potent example of implementing the message of “Fit India, Sports India, Strong India” on the ground. Through this initiative, local, traditional, and folk games have been revived, and children from every section of society have received opportunities to play. The CM emphasised that sports are the most effective medium to keep the youth away from drugs and provide them with a positive direction.
Dhami also stressed that Uttarakhand’s athletes have added a golden chapter to the state’s sporting history by winning 103 medals in the 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand. Today, Uttarakhand is being recognised as a ‘Khel Bhoomi’ (land of sports) alongside its identity as ‘Dev Bhoomi’. The state is now counted among the leading states in the country regarding world-class sports infrastructure. He announced that a ‘Sports Legacy Plan’ is also being implemented in the state, under which 23 sports academies will be established in eight major cities. Every year, 920 world-class athletes and 1,000 other players will be able to receive high-level training in these academies.
Dhami further mentioned that work is progressing rapidly towards establishing Uttarakhand’s first Sports University in Haldwani and a Women’s Sports College in Lohaghat. He stated that under the new sports policy, medal-winning athletes at national and international levels are being provided with “out-of-turn” government jobs. Among those present on the occasion were Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, Lok Sabha MP Mala Rajya Lakshmi Shah, Nominated Official Vinod Uniyal, Special Principal Secretary, Sports, Amit Sinha and Chief Development Officer, Dehradun, Abhinav Shah.
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