CM Corner: Sports University: Haldwani: Uttarakhand: On the occasion of National Sports Day, Uttarakhand has received its first sports university. On Saturday, August 29, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Uttarakhand Sports University at the International Stadium in Gaulapar, Haldwani. Sports Minister Rekha Arya and MP Ajay Bhatt, among others, were present at the event.
Along with the inauguration of the university, Chief Minister Dhami performed the Bhoomi Pujan (ground-breaking ceremony) and laid the foundation stone for the first phase of construction work. He stated that the sports university is a significant step towards providing better training and modern facilities to the state’s youth and athletes.
Remembering Major Dhyan Chand on Sports Day
During the event, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary. He emphasized that, alongside talent, athletes must also prioritize hard work and discipline to achieve success.
CM Dhami mentioned that work is also underway to establish 23 new high-tech sports academies to modernize sports facilities across the state.
Athletes to Get Modern Facilities
The Chief Minister stated that with the launch of the sports university, the youth of Uttarakhand would no longer need to depend on other states for high-level sports facilities. Plans are in place to provide athletes with coaching, modern sports infrastructure, and facilities related to sports science.
He urged athletes to step onto the field and put in their best efforts. He also assured that financial constraints would not be allowed to hinder the athletes’ path to success.
Sports Minister Rekha Arya Sees Her Dream Come True
Sports Minister Rekha Arya described the launch of the sports university as a major achievement for Uttarakhand’s sports sector. She noted that establishing a sports university equipped with modern facilities in the state had long been her dream, one that has now become a reality. She expressed hope that the university would provide the state’s emerging sports talent with superior coaching and training. Outstanding athletes and coaches were also honored during the event.
Awards and Scholarships for Athletes
Various facilities and honors were awarded to the athletes during the program. Prize money was disbursed via DBT to athletes who won medals in national and international competitions.
Additionally, scholarships were awarded to athletes selected under the ‘Mukhyamantri Udayiman Khiladi evam Protsahan Yojana’ (Chief Minister’s Emerging Athlete and Incentive Scheme). Athletes and coaches were also honored with the ‘Devbhoomi Khel Ratna’ and ‘Devbhoomi Dronacharya’ awards for the year 2024-25.
Sports University being developed across 32 hectares
Uttarakhand’s first sports university has been established near the international stadium in Gaulapar, Haldwani. Approximately 32 hectares of land have been earmarked for the university campus. The government has allocated a budget of ₹43.50 crore for the first phase of construction. Essential facilities, including hostels, will be developed at the university in the future. Approval has been granted for 94 regular posts, including that of the Vice-Chancellor, for its operations.
CM questions officials about the sound system from the stage
During the event, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami questioned officials regarding the sound system’s audio quality. Upon noticing issues with the microphone’s sound, he asked the Special Principal Secretary (Sports) when it would be rectified. The official assured him that the sound system would be fixed before the next event.
The academic session for Uttarakhand’s first sports university commenced on August 29, National Sports Day. The government expects this institution to play a pivotal role in producing national and international-level athletes in the future.
