CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurates the 25th All India Police Water Sports Championship in Tehri, Uttarakhand. Over 440 athletes from 19 teams participate in canoeing, rowing, and kayaking events.
Dehradun/Tehri Garhwal: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday virtually inaugurated the 25th All India Police Water Sports Cluster Championship at the Water Sports and Adventure Institute in Tehri Garhwal. On the occasion, he extended a warm welcome to police personnel, athletes, officials, and sports enthusiasts from across the country, calling it a proud moment for Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister said that hosting this prestigious national-level championship for the first time is a matter of great pride for the state and reflects its growing capability in organizing major sporting events. He expressed gratitude to the All India Police Sports Control Board for giving Uttarakhand the opportunity to host the event. He added that such competitions not only provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talent but also boost the state’s identity in adventure sports and tourism.
A total of over 440 male and female athletes from 19 teams representing various states and Union Territories are participating in the championship. The competitions include canoeing, rowing, and kayaking events, where participants will demonstrate their skills and endurance.
Extending his best wishes to all participants, the Chief Minister highlighted the crucial role played by police and paramilitary forces in maintaining national security, law and order, and public trust. He emphasized that physical and mental fitness is essential for them, and sports play a vital role in enhancing discipline, teamwork, and resilience in challenging situations.
He further noted that water sports are highly beneficial in disaster management activities such as flood relief, river rescue operations, and coastal security. Skills gained through such sports often prove life-saving during emergencies.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India Movement, the Chief Minister said these programs have significantly strengthened the sports culture in the country and inspired youth participation. He added that the state government is continuously working to promote sports and develop modern sports infrastructure for athletes.
He also mentioned that Uttarakhand recently successfully hosted the 38th National Games, showcasing its organizational capabilities, and is now emerging not only as ‘Devbhoomi’ but also as a ‘Sports Land’. The state is making continuous efforts to host international-level sporting events in the future.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to the overall development of Uttarakhand and expressed confidence that such events will contribute significantly to tourism promotion, sports development, and talent enhancement in the state.
Several dignitaries, including MLA Kishore Upadhyay, District Panchayat Chairperson Ishita Sajwan, Municipal Chairperson Mohan Singh Rawat, Special Principal Secretary (Sports) Amit Sinha, senior officials from ITBP and CRPF, District Magistrate Nitika Khandelwal, and SSP Shweta Chaubey, were present on the occasion.
