Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the first anniversary program of the Himadri Ice Rink held at Maharana Pratap Sports College. He described the ice rink as a matter of pride for both the state and the country, and reiterated his commitment to providing world-class facilities to athletes.
The Chief Minister stated that the Himadri Ice Rink has been renovated at a cost of approximately ₹8.5 crore and reopened for players. A 1-megawatt solar plant has also been installed for its operation, promoting green energy.
He said that in the past year, the ice rink has emerged as a major center for national and international competitions. Major events such as the National Ice Skating Championship, Ice Hockey League, and the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy have been successfully hosted here.
The Chief Minister added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, initiatives like “Khelo India” and “Fit India” have boosted sports culture in the country, and India is establishing a strong presence on the global sports stage.
To promote sports in the state, CM Dhami announced the implementation of the ‘Sports Legacy Plan,’ under which 23 sports academies will be opened in 8 cities. Additionally, work is progressing rapidly on establishing a sports university in Haldwani and a women’s sports college in Lohaghat.
He also stated that under the new sports policy, athletes who win medals at national and international levels are being given opportunities for government jobs. Various schemes are also providing training, scholarships, and sports kits to players.
He expressed confidence that athletes from Uttarakhand will continue to bring pride to the state and the nation. Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya, along with several public representatives, officials, and athletes, were present on the occasion.
