How Uttarakhand's new sports policy has been changing the dynamics of sports in the state

Physical activities and sports are an integral part of Uttarakhand's culture and society. They not only help in benefitting the physical health of the youth but also improve social harmony, economy, and standard of living. The Uttarakhand state government's ambition is to spread awareness among the citizens of the state about how physical activities will help them.

The state government is committed to the achievement of its motto - "Sports for all - Health for all". In comparison to the overall population of Uttarakhand, the percentage of youth is proportionately higher, and the government understands that there is a need to channel this energy of the youth into sports and develop and competitive sports spirit so that a positive image of youth can be witnessed at both the state and the national level.

The Uttarakhand government has been trying to promote physical and sports activities ever since Pushkar Singh Dhami took charge as the chief minister. Under his leadership, the government has decided to take numerous revolutionary steps to promote not only sports but also provide infrastructural facilities for the same. Since then, more work has been required to establish this project, and the government understands the utmost need for a new sports policy.

Under Pushkar Singh Dhami's stewardship, the new sports policy of 2021 came into being to take a step that integrates the existing schemes and development of the state with Fit India, Khelo India, and other national sports and physical development schemes. The Uttarakhand government will try to ensure that the talented athletes of the state benefit from the integrated energy and facilities. Through the new sports policy, efforts will be made to establish a system that promotes the highest ethical values, dope-free sports, transparency, and equal opportunity. Measures will be taken to make sure all youth get an opportunity to play at least one sport of their choice.

The state assembly has approved granting 4 percent horizontal reservation in government jobs for all sportspersons who have performed exceptionally in both national and international competitions. The bill mentions:

“Many talented players of Uttarakhand have given a new identity to the state in the field of sports through their commendable performance but due to lack of employment resources in the state, they are migrating to other states."

According to the bill, a skilled sportsperson is a citizen of the country who has won a medal or participated in any sports at the national or international level, whose domicile of origin is Uttarakhand, and who has not obtained a permanent domicile certificate from any other state. An athlete whose domicile of origin is not Uttarakhand but has obtained a domicile certificate of the state in accordance with the set of rules and regulations would be provided benefits of the law.

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Key Highlights of the Sports Policy

The main highlight of the Sports Policy of Uttarakhand is to develop sports culture in the state by inculcating high moral values and a spirit of comradeship and to take the youth of the state from E-culture to P-culture. The government wants to encourage public participation in sports and provide equal opportunities to the citizens in the same.

The new policy will also aim to develop, maintain, and optimally utilize national and international level sports infrastructural facilities and train and encourage athletes to participate in recognized national and international competitions. Another key objective is to organize awareness training and competitions with inter-departmental cooperation for the development of the sports spirit and sports culture in Uttarakhand.

Apart from these, the policy also focuses on giving special emphasis on developing sports infrastructure in educational institutions and universities and channeling vibrant youth energy in a positive direction through sports activities and physical fitness. Another area of focus is the identification and nurturing of outstanding talents and providing the athletes facilities to encourage them for high-level performance. If the athletes receive international training facilities, then the state can achieve a lot of medals which it can boast of.

Sports is for all, and to align with the same, the sports policy will also make efforts to identify the special needs of the disabled and ensure their greater participation in sports, and provide them with the proper infrastructure.

The state also wants to promote adventure sports to attract tourism and organize high-level sports competitions to develop competitive skills among the athletes. It also promises to deliver adequate support and facilities to the State Sports Associations for the all-round development of sports in the state. Moreover, to cope with modern-day training habits, the state will also include facts about sports science along with scientific and psychological training facilities.

One distinct approach under this policy is to use degraded technology for the upliftment of sports. In this matter, special emphasis will be placed on the development of local sports facilities as well as adopting a need-based development approach at various levels. The Sports Department will prepare a target-oriented and goal-bound action plan. Moreover, a scheme will also be put into place to promote the traditional sports of the state.

In the rural areas, athletes will be provided facilities for participation in competitive tournaments and it will be ensured that the youth from rural areas receive similar opportunities like the urban ones.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said to increase motivation and participation in the sports culture, the government will also give out a certain prize money to the respective athlete. The amount offered by the government will range according to the prize, which means it can start at ₹10,000 and go up to ₹2,00,00,000.