Dehradun: With the 2036 Olympics in mind, the Uttarakhand government has accelerated preparations to identify sporting talent and prepare athletes for the international level. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan held a meeting with officials of the Sports Department and directed them to identify sports suited to the state’s geographical conditions and potential, and to provide scientifically designed training to talented athletes.
The Chief Secretary said Uttarakhand has immense potential for sporting talent. Priority should be given to sports in which athletes from the state can perform well. He directed the department to set clear targets and work in mission mode.
Talents to Be Selected Through a Scientific Process
The Chief Secretary directed officials to conduct talent-search programmes on a large scale to identify promising athletes. He emphasized developing a robust and scientific selection system so that talented players are selected transparently and on the basis of predetermined criteria.
He directed officials to identify 100 to 150 talented children in the initial phase and begin their training immediately. Arrangements for training, coaching, fitness and other necessary facilities for the selected athletes were also ordered to be ensured.
Sports Talent to Be Developed from the School Level
The Chief Secretary said sporting talent should be identified at the school level itself. Emphasis was placed on training and sensitizing physical training instructors working in schools so that they can effectively identify children with potential and help develop their abilities.
He also stressed the need to enhance the capabilities of coaches along with those of athletes. Directions were given to work toward providing talented athletes with training at good sports institutes and developing them as future coaches.
Timeline to Be Set and Regular Monitoring to Be Ensured
The Chief Secretary directed officials to establish a timeline from the outset for the entire process of identifying children, arranging coaches and starting training. Clear targets should be set for each stage, with regular monitoring to ensure progress.
He said that, keeping the 2036 Olympics in mind, talent must be identified from now on and provided with scientific training and the necessary resources. This will help prepare athletes from Uttarakhand to perform better at the national and international levels.
Special Principal Secretary Amit Sinha, Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, Dr. Ranvir Singh Chauhan and Additional Secretary Namami Bansal, among other senior officials, were present at the meeting.
