Nainital, August 29 (H.S.): Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday performed the bhoomi pujan and laid the foundation stone for Uttarakhand’s first sports university in Nainital on the occasion of National Sports Day.

The Chief Minister said the sports university would be an important step towards nurturing sporting talent in the state and providing athletes with world-class training and facilities. It would provide players with a better platform to showcase their talent at the national and international levels, he said.

Dhami said the National Games held in Uttarakhand had created a new atmosphere and enthusiasm for sports in the state. The government is working to build on this momentum and continuously encourage sporting talent, he added.

He said Uttarakhand has no shortage of sporting talent and that the need is to provide athletes with appropriate opportunities, training and modern resources. Through the sports university, efforts would be made to provide high-level training, sports science, research and other essential facilities to players under one roof.

The Chief Minister said the state government has implemented a new sports policy to encourage athletes. Under the policy, talented players are being provided incentives and facilities at various levels. Scholarships are also being provided to promote the education and training of athletes.

Dhami said the government aims to establish Uttarakhand among the leading sporting states in the country. For this, special attention is being given to expanding sports grounds and training facilities and providing better opportunities to athletes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar