Uttarakhand CM Celebrates Himadri Ice Rink's Anniversary and Promotes Sports Development

Celebrating the Himadri Ice Rink's Anniversary

On Tuesday, Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami marked the first anniversary of the renovated Himadri Ice Rink located at Maharana Pratap Sports College in Dehradun. He welcomed athletes, sports fans, and guests, extending his best wishes for the occasion. During the event, he also unveiled the Uttarakhand Ice Hockey Team's new jersey and introduced the 'Pay and Play' portal.

A National Pride Revived

The Chief Minister emphasized that the Himadri Ice Rink, recognized as India's sole international-standard facility, is a source of pride for both Uttarakhand and the nation, offering top-notch amenities for athletes. Established in 2011, the rink initially hosted the South Asian Winter Games but fell into disrepair and was closed for a time.

He highlighted the government's commitment to restoring the rink, which underwent renovations costing around Rs 8.5 crore and reopened last year, once again serving athletes and sports enthusiasts. Additionally, a one-megawatt solar power plant has been installed to support its operations sustainably.

A Hub for Sports Competitions

According to the Chief Minister, the ice rink has regained its status as a center for both national and international sporting events due to collaborative efforts. In the past year, it has successfully hosted various competitions, including the National Ice Skating Championship, Asian Trophy, and National Ice Hockey League, along with training camps for junior and women's national teams. Currently, athletes from multiple states are training in skating and ice hockey at this venue.

He also noted that the Indian Ice Hockey Team conducted its training camp at the rink, marking a significant achievement for the state. Last August, India hosted the 'Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy' for the first time, attracting over 200 athletes from 11 Asian nations, an event he had the privilege to attend.

Fostering a Sports Culture in Uttarakhand

The Chief Minister expressed optimism that the increasing interest in ice skating and ice hockey will position India as a formidable contender in winter sports in the future. He credited initiatives like Khelo India and the Fit India Movement, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for fostering a robust sports culture and enhancing India's presence in the global sports arena.

He reiterated that the Uttarakhand government is dedicated to promoting sports and supporting athletes under the Prime Minister's guidance. The successful hosting of the 38th National Games has redefined Uttarakhand's identity, not only as 'Devbhoomi' but also as 'Khelbhoomi,' with athletes from the state achieving a remarkable 103 medals.

Investing in Sports Infrastructure

The Chief Minister announced ongoing efforts to develop world-class sports infrastructure. A 'Sports Legacy Plan' is set to be implemented, aiming to establish 23 sports academies across eight major cities in Uttarakhand. This initiative will provide high-level training to approximately 920 elite athletes and 1,000 additional sportspersons each year. He also mentioned that the establishment of Uttarakhand's first Sports University in Haldwani and a Women's Sports College in Lohaghat is progressing swiftly.

Support and Incentives for Athletes

A new sports policy has been introduced to enhance sports and support athletes, which includes provisions for government employment for medalists at national and international levels. The Chief Minister instructed Sports Minister Rekha Arya to ensure timely execution of schemes related to athletes.

He added that students in residential sports colleges are receiving free training and sports scholarships. Furthermore, initiatives like the Chief Minister's Sports Development Fund, Player Incentive Scheme, Emerging Player Scheme, and Sports Kit Scheme are being implemented to assist talented athletes in the state.

In conclusion, the Chief Minister stated that the state government views sports as a vital tool for nation-building and empowering youth. He reaffirmed the commitment to establishing Uttarakhand as a leading state in sports and expressed confidence that the state's athletes will continue to excel on both national and international stages through their dedication and talent.