Dehradun, Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami on Wednesday attended the closing ceremony of the Chief Minister Championship Trophy 2025–26 at Nanurkheda, Dehradun. Dehradun district was declared the winner, receiving the championship trophy and a cash prize of ₹5 lakh.
Statewide Sports Initiative and Player Incentives
Addressing the gathering, CM Pushkar Dhami highlighted that the championship represented the culmination of a statewide sports program aimed at identifying talent from villages, nyay panchayats, and remote hill areas. The state government announced that a total of ₹11 crore in prize money would be directly transferred to players’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Referencing national-level programs such as Khelo India and the Fit India Movement, Dhami emphasized the growing policy focus on sports and fitness in recent years. He also noted India’s strong performances at international competitions, including the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
Achievements and Infrastructure Development in Uttarakhand
Highlighting the state’s achievements, Pushkar Dhami noted that Uttarakhand hosted the 38th National Games, where athletes from the state secured 103 medals and finished seventh overall for the first time. He further outlined plans for a sports legacy initiative, which includes establishing 23 sports academies across eight cities.
साथ ही, प्रदेश में आधुनिक खेल इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर का तेजी से विकास किया जा रहा है, जिससे प्रदेश के युवा खिलाड़ियों को राष्ट्रीय एवं अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर उत्कृष्ट प्रदर्शन के लिए बेहतर मंच मिल रहा है।
इस अवसर पर माननीय कैबिनेट मंत्री श्रीमती @rekhaaryaoffice जी, माननीय विधायक श्री… pic.twitter.com/qhBg3rEVwE
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) February 18, 2026
The Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami also referred to the state’s new sports policy, which focuses on athlete support and infrastructure development. Uttarakhand’s first sports university is being established in Haldwani, providing coaching, sports science, and advanced training facilities.
CM Pushkar Dhami Incentive Schemes Provide Financial Support to Athletes and Coaches
Under the Chief Minister Player Incentive Scheme and the Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami Emerging Player Advancement Scheme, eligible athletes receive monthly scholarships and financial assistance for sports equipment. The government has also revised honoraria and incentives for coaches.
Also read : CM Pushkar Dhami Attends Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav, Launches Champawat Saras Corbett Festival-2026
Pushkar Dhami announced that athletes winning medals at the state-level Khel Mahakumbh and other recognized competitions will be eligible for 4% horizontal reservation in government jobs from this year. The state also confers honours such as the Uttarakhand Khel Ratna, Dronacharya Award, and Himalaya Khel Ratna to recognize the contributions of athletes and coaches.
Mass Participation and Talent Identification
Sports Minister Rekha Arya highlighted that the competitions began at the nyay panchayat level on November 23, 2025, concluding on February 18, 2026, with the Chief Minister Championship Trophy. She stated that over 1.62 lakh athletes participated across 26 sporting disciplines. Arya added that such initiatives are expected to play a critical role in talent identification for future national and international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympic Games.