Dehradun district wins Chief Minister’s Championship Trophy; CM presents trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh
More than 3.35 lakh athletes participate in Khel Mahakumbh; prize money of approximately Rs 11.30 crore being transferred through DBT
Chief Minister launches meroyuva.in portal
State government committed to developing Uttarakhand as a sporting hub: Chief Minister
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the closing ceremony of Khel Mahakumbh-2026 and the Chief Minister’s Championship Trophy, held at the Mini Stadium in Nanurkhera, Dehradun, on Sunday. On the occasion, he presented the Chief Minister’s Championship Trophy to Dehradun district, the winning district, along with a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. The Chief Minister also launched the meroyuva.in portal. The ceremony featured impressive demonstrations of Mallakhamb and artistic yoga. Congratulating the winning and participating athletes, Dhami wished them a bright future.
The Chief Minister said Uttarakhand was establishing a distinct identity not only as Devbhoomi but also as a land of sports. Sports are not merely a means of winning medals but also play an important role in developing discipline, self-confidence, perseverance and team spirit.
He said the journey of Khel Mahakumbh, which began on September 1 from Tanakpur in Champawat district, progressed through Nyaya Panchayat, Assembly constituency and parliamentary constituency levels before reaching the state level. Athletes from every corner of the state participated in the event with enthusiasm and sportsmanship.
Dhami said Khel Mahakumbh was launched in 2017 with the objective of identifying sporting talent in rural and remote areas and providing young athletes with opportunities to advance. Around 2.20 lakh athletes participated in the event last year, while the number has increased to more than 3.35 lakh this year. The growing participation reflects how Khel Mahakumbh has evolved into a mass movement promoting sports across the state.
The Chief Minister said that this year, 32 competitions were organised under the Chief Minister’s Championship Trophy across 662 Nyaya Panchayats, all 70 Assembly constituencies, parliamentary constituency levels and the state level.
He noted that MPs, MLAs and local public representatives actively participated in the event. They inaugurated competitions at various levels and encouraged the athletes. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to all public representatives for their contribution.
Dhami said the state government was committed to ensuring that no talented athlete was left behind due to a lack of opportunities or resources. Cash prizes are being awarded to winning athletes from the Nyaya Panchayat level to the state level. This year, prize money amounting to approximately Rs 11.30 crore is being transferred directly to athletes' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
He added that the state government had also decided to provide eligible athletes who win medals in the state-level competitions of the Chief Minister’s Championship Trophy with the benefit of four per cent horizontal reservation in direct recruitment posts, subject to prescribed rules.
The Chief Minister said that initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had created renewed awareness about sports across the country. Under the Prime Minister's guidance, the state government was also continuously working to provide athletes with better training, necessary resources and opportunities to excel.
He said Uttarakhand's athletes had performed exceptionally well at the 38th National Games held in the state last year, bringing laurels to the region. He expressed confidence that the talent emerging from Khel Mahakumbh would go on to bring recognition to the country and the state in national and international competitions.
Addressing the athletes, Dhami said that victory and defeat were integral parts of sports. Those who could not win medals this time should not feel disappointed but should work harder and prepare for upcoming competitions. The state government is committed to providing athletes with better facilities and all possible support.
He also thanked the Youth Welfare and Sports Department, Education Department, district administration, Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel, coaches, referees, teachers and parents for the successful organisation of Khel Mahakumbh.
On the occasion, Sports Minister Rekha Arya said continuous efforts were being made under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to encourage sports and athletes in the state. Through the Chief Minister's Emerging Player Development Scheme and the Chief Minister's Athlete Promotion Scheme, selected athletes are being provided scholarships and financial assistance for sports equipment.
She said modern sports facilities were being expanded across the state. The girls' sports college at Lohaghat had started functioning, while work was also underway towards establishing a State Sports University and modern sports academies.
Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, Uttarakhand Youth Welfare Advisory Council Vice-Chairpersons Vinod Suyal and Kundan Singh Latwal, Special Principal Secretary Amit Kumar Sinha, and Youth Welfare and Provincial Guard Director Deepti Singh were also present at the event.
