Haldwani : CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Asian Fencing Cup, saying, “Sports culture should reach new heights

• The Asian Cadet Fencing Cup was inaugurated for the first time in Uttarakhand.
• Athletes from 17 countries arrived in Haldwani to test their strength in fencing.
• Haldwani became the center of international sports events, with the five-day
• “Mahasangram of Fencing” (Great Battle of Fencing).
• Uttarakhand is making history in sports – ranking 7th in the country with 103 medals in the National Games

Haldwani :Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami, who arrived in Haldwani on Friday, inaugurated the Asian Cadet Cup Fencing Competition by lighting the lamp at the Indira Gandhi International Stadium, Gaulapar. In his address, congratulating all the participants in this important event, the Honorable Chief Minister said that with their discipline, hard work, and positive thinking, all the players will not only achieve new heights in sports, but will also set an example for society and contribute to fulfilling our unwavering resolve to make Uttarakhand the best state in the country in all fields. He stated that the state government will continue to work in this manner to promote sports in the state.

He urged all athletes to remain vigilant about environmental protection and ensure their own contribution to tree plantation, water conservation, and cleanliness, as well as to raise awareness among the community. He also emphasized that when a fit individual preaches the ill effects of drug addiction, the message reaches every youth. He added that the state government is encouraging emerging young athletes through programs such as the Chief Minister’s Sports Development Fund, the Chief Minister’s Sports Promotion Scheme, the Chief Minister’s Emerging Players Scheme, and the Sports Kit Scheme. He also recognizes their talents by awarding the Uttarakhand Khel Ratna Award and the Himalaya Khel Ratna Award. Furthermore, the 4% sports quota for athletes in state government services has been reinstated, ensuring that the hard work and excellence of the state’s athletes receive appropriate opportunities and recognition. The Chief Minister said that during this period, on the occasion of National Sports Day, outstanding sportspersons from the state were also awarded honorariums of ₹50 lakh each.

The Chief Minister said that with the aim of overall development of sports in the state and encouraging sportspersons, the government has implemented a new sports policy. Under this policy, medal-winning athletes at the national and international levels are being provided out-of-turn government jobs. The Chief Minister said that work is also underway to expand Pantnagar Airport and has requested the Honorable Railway Minister to provide new trains to provide better transportation facilities to passengers, tourists, and athletes.

The Chief Minister said that the government is working diligently to fulfill its commitment to establish Uttarakhand’s first sports university and women’s sports college in Haldwani. The university’s establishment will also establish a distinct identity in the field of sports education. Given the growing sports activity here, local businesses will benefit in the future, and tourist amenities will also be enhanced. He said that Uttarakhand athletes created history by winning 103 medals and securing seventh place in the National Games for the first time. Efforts have been made to develop world-class sports infrastructure in the state at a cost of Rs 517 crore. As a result, Uttarakhand has become an important destination for not only national but also international sports competitions, with the Asian Cadet Cup being a prime example. He added that the government will soon implement a Sports Legacy Plan in the state, under which 23 sports academies will be established in eight major cities of the state. He added that Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is continuously working to promote sports culture in the country through programs like Khelo India and the Fit India Movement. Under his leadership, India is reaching new heights in sports and establishing its unique identity on the global stage. Under his guidance, the state government is also making continuous efforts to promote sports culture and encourage athletes in the state.

He said that fencing in its modern form began quite late in India and did not receive as much encouragement as other sports. However, in the last few years, fencing has rapidly gained popularity, and after Arjuna Award-winning Bhavani Devi’s medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, the youth’s interest in it has increased even more. Today, young people are not only excelling at the national level in this sport, but are also bringing glory to the country on international platforms. Just as India’s flag flies high across the world in sports like shooting, archery, and javelin throw, in the future, our youth will also set new records with their excellent performances in fencing. The art of fencing has existed since the beginning of human civilization. In ancient India, knowledge of both weapons and scriptures was considered a complete education, and in ancient times, knowledge of both weapons and scriptures was considered a complete education.