In a strong push to position Uttarakhand as a rising sports hub, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said the state is striving to earn the title of “Khelbhoomi” — the land of sports — during a state-level event marking International Olympic Day at the Parade Ground.

Speaking to athletes and officials, Dhami lauded the state’s performance at the 38th National Games earlier this year, where Uttarakhand athletes secured 103 medals, reported TOI. 

Devbhoomi and Sainyabhoomi are now on the path to becoming Khelbhoomi, he said, emphasizing that the state’s growing sports achievements reflect a systematic push to promote athletics at the grassroots level.

Highlighting key initiatives under the state’s evolving sports policy, Dhami outlined ongoing efforts to build 23 sports academies across eight cities, a dedicated sports university in Haldwani, and a women’s sports college in Lohaghat. “Medal-winning athletes are being offered out-of-turn govt jobs, sports scholarships, and awards including the Uttarakhand Khel Ratna and Himalaya Khel Ratna,” he said, adding that a 4% sports quota has also been implemented in government recruitment.

Underscoring the significance of Olympic Day, the chief minister noted it as a reminder of discipline, dedication, and peace, not just competition. He praised India’s record-breaking 107-medal haul in the 2023 Asian Games and pointed to the country’s biggest-ever Olympic contingent of 126 athletes at the 2024 Paris Games as a marker of progress.

Over 3,900 athletes in Uttarakhand are now receiving direct benefit transfers under the Chief Minister’s Emerging Athlete Promotion Scheme, while an additional 2,155 are covered under the CM’s Incentive Scheme.

Sports Minister Rekha Arya said the new sports policy reflects the practical needs of athletes and noted the rapid development of sports infrastructure in the state.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by our editors.

Image Via Pushkar Singh Dhami/X