Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially launched a three-day Sansad Khel Mahotsav, or MP sports festival, on Monday at the Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Sports Stadium in Almora. The event aims to foster athletic talent and promote a healthy lifestyle among the youth.
Spotlight on Youth and Nation-Building Through Sports
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the critical role sports play in nation-building and the holistic development of Uttarakhand's youth. He stated that such festivals have evolved into a robust platform for scouting talent from the state's rural and remote regions.
The festival provides young athletes a crucial opportunity to advance their careers, Dhami said. He added that these initiatives are vital in steering the youth away from substance abuse, thereby contributing to the creation of a drug-free society.
Multi-Sport Event and Major Infrastructure Announcements
The sports festival features competitive events in boxing, football, badminton, and cricket. Participation is open to all age groups, with teams representing districts from the Kumaon division: Bageshwar, Champawat, Almora, and Pithoragarh.
Outlining the government's vision for sports, CM Dhami detailed significant investments from both the state and central governments to develop world-class infrastructure. This upgrade is intended to position Uttarakhand as a future host for national and international sporting events.
Under a new sports legacy plan, the state will establish 23 sports academies across eight major cities. These academies are designed to train approximately 920 elite athletes and an additional 1,000 players.
In a major boost to sports education, the Chief Minister announced that a sports university is being set up in Haldwani, and a women's sports college will be established in Lohaghat. Furthermore, to incentivize excellence, the government is offering state jobs to medal winners at national and international competitions.
Parallel Healthcare Initiatives Unveiled
Shifting focus to public health, CM Dhami also shared updates on healthcare enhancements in the region. He revealed that 100 new MBBS seats and 36 ICU beds have been added at the Soban Singh Jeena Government Institute of Medical Science & Research.
Additional healthcare upgrades include the launch of a cardiac care unit at the Base Hospital and a Rs 5-crore renovation project for the women's hospital, currently underway.
The inauguration of the Sansad Khel Mahotsav marks a concerted push by the Uttarakhand government to leverage sports for social good while simultaneously strengthening the state's medical infrastructure.
