Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday inaugurated the 22nd Uttarakhand State Junior and Senior Badminton Championship to be held from July 24 to July 28 at Parade Ground, Dehradun. After the program, the Chief Minister also met the players and encouraged them. Welcoming all the players, the Chief Minister said that coming among the players always fills them with enthusiasm and energy. Uttarakhand is making its special identity at the national and international level in the field of badminton. Many players including Lakshya Sen are making history in badminton and bringing glory to the country and the state. At present, better opportunities and resources are available for sports. The youth should keep trying continuously with their efforts, which will definitely give them success in the future. He said that dedication and discipline towards sports will give new heights in life.
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many historic decisions have been taken in the field of sports in the country. Players are encouraged. Sports have been promoted on a large scale with the launch of programs like Khelo India under the leadership of the Prime Minister. International level training and facilities are being provided to the players for India’s good performance in the Olympics. India’s steps are constantly increasing in every international level game. The Chief Minister said that the largest ever contingent from India is going to participate in the Paris Olympics being held this year. The state government is also working at every level to promote sports and players in the state. Training camps are being organized across the state, distribution of sports material, free education, medical, food facilities are being provided to the players under the Residential Sports Hostel Scheme.
Incentives of Rs 2 crore, 1.5 crore and 1 crore respectively are being given for winning gold, silver and bronze medals in the Olympics. Incentives of Rs 6 lakh, 4 lakh, 3 lakh respectively are being given to gold, silver and bronze medal winners in the National Games.
The Chief Minister said that a new sports policy has been implemented to promote sports and encouragement of players in the state. This year, 31 medal-winning players have been given appointments in government departments. Under the Mukhyamantri Udyaman Khiladi Unnayan Yojana, 3900 players between 8 and 14 years of age are being given a scholarship of Rs 1500 per month.
The daily allowance of players preparing by staying in sports hostels has been increased from Rs 175 to Rs 225. A provision of Rs 10 crore has been made for open gyms at the rural level. Uttarakhand has got the opportunity to organize the upcoming National Games. Which is a big opportunity for us.
On this occasion, Special Principal Secretary Sports Amit Sinha, USBA President Dr. Alaknanda Ashok, Secretary B.S Mankoti, Rakesh Dobhal and other officials were present.
