Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Inaugurates Fifth State Olympic Games in Rudrapur

Rudrapur (Uttarakhand) [India], September 21: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially opened the Fifth State Olympic Games on Saturday. The event will be held until September 27 at Manoj Sarkar Sports Stadium in Rudrapur.

Upon arriving at the stadium after a road show from the helipad, the players welcomed the Chief Minister by showering flowers. Dhami hoisted the national and Olympic flags, took the salute of the march past of sports teams from various districts, and formally inaugurated the games by unveiling the mascot and medal.

Congratulating the players, district administration, and State Olympic Association, Dhami said that the event will give Uttarakhand players a chance to showcase their talent and inspire them to establish their identity at national and international levels. He emphasized that the event aims to organize various sports competitions and provide a level platform for all dedicated players, including those from remote areas of Uttarakhand.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the state government is working towards making Uttarakhand a leading state in sports under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A ‘New Sports Policy’ has been implemented to encourage sports and players. This policy includes giving ‘out of turn’ government jobs to medal-winning players at national and international levels. This year, 31 medal-winning players have been appointed in government departments, and the cash prize money has been increased by almost 100 percent.

Dhami mentioned that free training, education, accommodation, food, and kits are being provided to players in residential sports colleges. Scholarships are given to emerging players through ‘Mukhyamantri Udyaman Khiladi Unnayan Yojana’ and ‘Mukhyamantri Khiladi Protsahan Yojana.’ An amount of Rs 10,000 per year is provided to players for sports equipment, and the amount for sports kits for national-level competitions has been increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000. Facilities are also being provided to Divyang players and trainers.

The Chief Minister announced the ‘Himalaya Khel Ratna Award’ along with the ‘Uttarakhand Khel Ratna and Dronacharya Awards.’ A 4 percent sports quota has been re-implemented in government jobs. Sports infrastructure is being strengthened, with new sports grounds being constructed and existing ones developed to national standards. A women’s sports college will soon be established in Champawat at a cost of Rs 264 crore, and a ‘Khel University’ will also be set up to provide world-class training and facilities.

Dhami stated that Uttarakhand has the opportunity to host the upcoming ‘National Games.’ Infrastructure facilities are being developed, and training camps are being organized for players. He encouraged players to work hard and win medals in state games and bring laurels to the state in national games. He expressed confidence that the state games would give new direction and momentum to the players’ sports careers.

The Chief Minister also directed the District Magistrate to identify land for the office of the Olympic Association in Rudrapur.