Nainital: Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami laid the foundation stone for the first phase of Uttarakhand State Sports University and launched its inaugural academic session at the International Stadium in Gaulapar, Haldwani. The event was held on National Sports Day, marking the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
The university, being built at a cost of Rs 43.5 crore, is expected to provide sports education, specialised training and modern facilities to athletes in the state, reducing the need for them to travel outside Uttarakhand for advanced training.
Calling the occasion a “new chapter” in Uttarakhand’s sporting history, Dhami said the state was working to transform itself from Devbhoomi and Veerbhoomi into Khelbhoomi — a land recognised for sporting excellence.
He said the university would help produce athletes capable of competing at national and international levels by providing access to professional coaching, modern facilities and financial support.
The chief minister highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the state to build a stronger sporting ecosystem. Under the Mukhyamantri Udyaman Khiladi Unnayan Yojana, children aged eight to 14 are provided monthly sports scholarships. The Mukhyamantri Udyaman Khiladi Protsahan Yojana offers monthly financial assistance and support for sports equipment to athletes aged 14 to 23.
The state has also introduced insurance and financial assistance for athletes suffering sports-related injuries or facing emergencies. A chief minister’s sports development fund has been created to identify talent, provide training and promote traditional and indigenous sports.
Dhami said 29 sportspersons had secured govt jobs under the state’s out-of-turn employment policy for medal-winning athletes, while the process of appointing 243 medal winners from the 38th National Games is underway.
Uttarakhand is also expanding its sports infrastructure. The state’s first girls’ sports college at Lohaghat is operational, while work is underway to establish 23 high-tech sports academies for different disciplines.
A draft of the Uttarakhand Sports Policy 2026 has been prepared and will be placed before the cabinet for approval. Under the proposed One District, One Sport initiative, the govt plans to develop a distinct sporting identity for each district and create opportunities for local athletes.
Dhami said preparations had begun for the 2027 National Games and that the govt was working on a roadmap to improve Uttarakhand’s medal tally. He also said the state aimed to ensure a strong presence of its athletes at the 2036 Olympics.
Dhami said the govt has developed the Mauli AI application to assess the fitness of emerging athletes regularly and support a more scientific approach to training and performance.
He distributed sports scholarships through direct benefit transfer to beneficiaries of the emerging-athlete scheme and said the assistance would help young sportspersons pursue their ambitions without financial constraints.
Several national and international medal winners and coaches were felicitated at the National Sports Day programme. The Devbhoomi Uttarakhand Sports Awards were also presented.
Athlete Ankita Dhyani received the Devbhoomi Uttarakhand Sports Ratna Award for 2024, while athletics coach Lokesh Chaudhary received the Dronacharya Award.
For 2025, shooter Abhinav Deshwal received the Sports Ratna Award, kayaking and canoeing coach Mukesh Sharma the Dronacharya Award, boxing coach Mukesh Chandra Belwal the Lifetime Achievement Award and para-shooter Shaurya Saini the Himalaya Ratna Award.
Modern pentathletes Saksham Pratap Singh and Mamta Khati were honoured in the team category, while boxer Khushi Chand received the individual Himalaya Sports Ratna Award. The awardees received cash prizes, certificates, blazers and shawls.
Sports minister Rekha Arya, Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar MP Ajay Bhatt, Lalkuan MLA Mohan Singh Bisht and other public representatives and sports officials attended the event.
Dhami urged young athletes to focus on their game and assured them that financial difficulties or a lack of resources would not be allowed to obstruct their sporting ambitions.
