Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2026 at Maharana Pratap Sports Complex on Monday. Welcoming athletes, coaches and officials from India and abroad to Uttarakhand, he extended his best wishes for the competition.
The Chief Minister said that hosting an international-level competition of this nature is a matter of pride for Uttarakhand. It will further strengthen the state’s identity as a destination suitable for winter and ice sports. He said sports serve as a means of connecting countries and people, while such events promote friendship and sportsmanship.
He said that in sports, discipline, dedication, sportsmanship and the determination never to give up are more important than winning or losing. Such events not only inspire the youth of the state to take up sports but also promote sports tourism.
The Chief Minister said the state government is continuously working to make Uttarakhand a leading state in the field of sports. The successful hosting of the 38th National Games created a strong foundation of modern sports infrastructure in the state. Uttarakhand is now preparing to host international sporting competitions as well.
He said that under the Sports Legacy Plan, 23 sports academies will be established in eight major cities. Work is underway to establish a sports university in Haldwani, while a women’s sports college has already started functioning in Lohaghat. Under the new sports policy, medal winners at national and international levels are being provided opportunities in government service, sports scholarships and training facilities.
The Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy is being held from August 17 to 20 at Maharana Pratap Sports Complex. MLA Umesh Sharma Kau, Asian Skating Union President Myung Hee Chang, Ice Skating Association of India President Amitabh Sharma, Special Principal Secretary for Sports Amit Sinha, Director of Sports Deepti Singh and other dignitaries were present at the event.
