Major Dhyanchand Jayanti celebrated as National Sports Day – 2025 with grand ceremony
Uttarakhand Now Ready to Host International Sporting Events: CM Dhami on National Sports Day 2025
Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that Uttarakhand is now fully prepared to host international sports competitions, thanks to world-class infrastructure and focused government initiatives. He made this statement while addressing a grand ceremony organized on the occasion of Major Dhyanchand Jayanti, celebrated nationwide as National Sports Day – 2025, at the Multipurpose Sports Hall, Parade Ground on Friday.
Highlighting the transformative role of sports, CM Dhami said, “Sports and sportsmanship bring energy, discipline and inspiration to society. Major Dhyanchand showcased India’s sporting prowess to the world with the magic of his hockey stick and even displayed true patriotism in front of Hitler himself. Following his ideals, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is emerging as a global sports power – and Uttarakhand is ready to contribute its part.”
He praised initiatives like Khelo India and the Fit India Movement for strengthening the country’s sports culture, adding that today’s athletes enter the field not just to participate but to win and make India proud.
Recalling recent achievements, CM Dhami cited:
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Olympic medals – Neeraj Chopra’s historic gold (Tokyo 2020) and silver (Paris 2024), Manu Bhaker’s double bronze, Swapnil Kusle and Aman Sehrawat’s bronze medals, and the men’s hockey team winning consecutive bronze medals.
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Asian Athletics Championship successes – Gold medals by Jyoti Yarajji, Gulveer Singh, and Avinash Sable.
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National Games 2025 – Uttarakhand’s historic performance, winning 103 medals and securing 7th position for the first time.
Devbhoomi to Khelbhoomi: Uttarakhand’s Transformation
The Chief Minister underlined that the 38th National Games, successfully hosted in Uttarakhand, have paved the way to establish the state as not only Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods) but also Khelbhoomi (Land of Sports). He revealed that world-class infrastructure is already in place, including the renovated Himadri Olympic-standard ice rink, where international-level competitions have begun — a landmark step towards developing winter sports in India.
Major Sports Development Plans Announced
CM Dhami shared key upcoming initiatives:
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23 new sports academies across eight major cities under the upcoming Sports Legacy Plan, training 920 elite athletes and 1,000 other players annually.
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First Sports University in Haldwani and a Women’s Sports College in Lohaghat.
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Athletic synthetic track to be built at the Parade Ground.
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Synthetic football turf to be installed at the Pavilion Football Ground.
He also confirmed that medal-winning athletes at the national and international levels will continue to receive government jobs, sports scholarships, and residential training facilities under the state’s new sports policy.
To nurture young talent, programs such as Mukhyamantri Khel Vikas Nidhi, Mukhyamantri Khiladi Protsahan Yojana, Mukhyamantri Udyaman Khiladi Yojana, and Khel Kit Yojana are being expanded.
Players Honored, Scholarships Distributed
On National Sports Day, the state government distributed over ₹16 crore in honorarium to more than 250 players and coaches. Among those honored:
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Mandeep Kaur, Amisha Rawat, and Manoj Sarkar – Paris Olympics 2024 participants, each awarded ₹50 lakh.
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Shaurya Saini and Abhinav Deshwal – International gold medalists, each awarded ₹30 lakh.
Additionally, ₹5.5 crore was transferred under the Mukhyamantri Udiyaman Khiladi Unnayan Yojana to 3,900 players, and scholarships were provided to 2,199 players under the Mukhyamantri Protsahan Yojana.
Out-of-turn government appointments were also handed over to medal-winning athletes Manasi Negi (Sports Department) and Mohammad Arshad (Police Department).
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, CM Dhami said, “India has started preparing to host the Commonwealth Games 2030. Our Sports Department and young athletes must begin preparing from now to ensure Uttarakhand’s strong contribution.”
Sports Minister Rekha Arya, in her address, said that through the National Games, Uttarakhand has set new standards in sports development, and the government’s efforts will ensure that talent from every household will soon represent the state and the nation.
The ceremony was attended by MP Mala Rajyalakshmi Shah, Vice President of the Uttarakhand State Level Sports Council Hemraj Bisht, Special Principal Secretary Sports Amit Sinha, Director Sports Ashish Chauhan, and senior officials of the Sports Department.
