Dehradun: On the occasion of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the Uttarakhand Sports Department organized events across 13 districts of the state, including Dehradun, Haridwar, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Nainital, Pauri, Almora, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, and Udham Singh Nagar.
Thousands of youth participated in various sports activities and cultural programs organized to mark the day. The main state-level program was held in Dehradun, where Sports Minister Rekha Arya addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of sports in youth development and community harmony.
Speaking at the event, Rekha Arya said that the government is preparing to groom at least 40 athletes from the state for the 2036 Olympic Games. She also emphasized the need to promote sports at the grassroots level through initiatives like the “Khel Ghar-Ghar Abhiyan.” Arya called upon young people to engage in sports actively and assured them of government support for their progress.
The minister also spoke about the state’s plans to build sports infrastructure and support emerging talent. “The state is committed to identifying and supporting athletes from rural backgrounds to achieve excellence,” she said.
Several local competitions and awareness programs were held as part of the district-level celebrations. In Dehradun, the District Sports Office organized a day-long event that included track and field activities and public awareness drives. Outstanding performers were awarded by officials from the department.
Additional Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, along with department officials and local administrators, were present at various district events. In Dehradun, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Joint Director Anurag Arya, and Additional Director Pradeep Rawat attended the ceremony.
The event saw collaboration from school and college authorities, local volunteers, trainers, and youth organizations across all districts.
