Uttarakhand’s athletes created history at the 38th National Games by winning 103 medals and lifting the state from 25th to seventh position in the national medal tally. However, even after a year, 243 medal-winning players are still waiting for government jobs promised under the state’s sports policy.
The issue has now reached the state’s top administration. Sports Minister Rekha Arya has written a letter to Chief Secretary Anand Barddhan, urging the creation of posts in the sports department for these athletes. She stated that Uttarakhand’s sports policy clearly provides for direct government jobs to state players who win medals at national and international competitions.
In earlier years, posts were created for medal-winning athletes in departments such as sports, youth welfare, transport, forest, police and education. Despite this, around 50 sanctioned posts remain unfilled, and no adequate new posts have been created for the latest batch of achievers.
Uttarakhand hosted the 38th National Games from January 28 to February 24 last year. During the event, state athletes delivered strong performances, particularly in boxing, taekwondo and athletics. Ankita Dhyani won two gold medals in the 5000-metre race and 3000-metre steeplechase. Nivedita Karki, Kapil Pokhariya and Narendra secured three gold medals in boxing, while Pooja claimed a gold medal in taekwondo. Several other players also performed well across different disciplines.
Despite these achievements and earlier announcements by the Chief Minister, players say the lack of job appointments has left them disappointed. The delay has raised questions about the implementation of the state’s sports policy and the long-term support system for athletes who bring national recognition to Uttarakhand.
