Tehri Garhwal, December 10, 2024: Uttarakhand’s Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Rekha Arya inaugurated the 35th Senior National Canoe Sprint Championship at Tehri Lake, marking a significant milestone in India’s water sports history. The four-day event, also known as the “Third Water Sports Cup,” witnessed the participation of athletes from across the country. In her address, Minister Rekha Arya highlighted the state’s readiness for the upcoming National Games, emphasizing the world-class sports infrastructure developed in Uttarakhand. She stated, “The sports facilities we’ve built are not just for the National Games but to establish Uttarakhand as a sports hub alongside being a spiritual destination.”
She expressed optimism about the athletes’ future, encouraging them to aim for international platforms like the Olympics. She also urged the district administration to ensure seamless event management, drawing inspiration from the successful G20 meetings held in Rishikesh and Ramnagar. The minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to athletes’ development under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s leadership. She mentioned policies like “4% sports quota and out-of-turn job appointments,” ensuring a secure future for sportspersons in Uttarakhand.
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The President of the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association praised Minister Rekha Arya’s dynamic leadership, highlighting the state’s readiness for hosting world-class sports events. Following the inauguration, Minister Rekha Arya officially flagged off the Canoe Sprint Championship and even participated in a canoeing session to motivate the athletes.
The event saw the presence of Devprayag MLA Vinod Kandari, Pratapnagar MLA Vikram Singh Negi, Tehri Garhwal District President Rajesh Nautiyal, THDC Director Shailendra Singh, Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association President Prashant Kushwaha, and Uttarakhand Olympic Association Secretary D.K. Singh, along with several senior officials.
