DEHRADUN, November 12: Former Indian cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh met Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday and discussed measures to strengthen sports infrastructure, encourage young athletes and promote sporting talent across the hill state.
The meeting focused on creating better opportunities for aspiring sportspersons, particularly those living in remote and far-flung areas of Uttarakhand. Both discussed the need to identify emerging talent at the grassroots level and provide promising athletes with the training, facilities and support required to compete at national and international levels.
Chief Minister Dhami said the state government was committed to developing Uttarakhand as a major sports hub. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve sports infrastructure and provide better facilities to athletes, enabling young people to pursue sporting careers.
Harbhajan, who has represented India in international cricket and is currently a Rajya Sabha MP, shared his experience and offered suggestions on strengthening the state's sports ecosystem. The discussions also covered ways to motivate young people to participate in sports and ensure that talent from remote mountain regions receives adequate opportunities.
Harbhajan Offers Support for Uttarakhand Sports Development
Following the meeting, Harbhajan shared details of his interaction with the Chief Minister on social media platform X, expressing his willingness to contribute his experience and expertise to the development of sports in Uttarakhand.
“Today I had the opportunity to meet Uttarakhand's Honourable Chief Minister, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami ji, at his residence,” he wrote.
He said the discussion covered improving sports facilities, encouraging athletes and providing them with better opportunities and infrastructure.
“It was a pleasure to meet the Chief Minister and share my thoughts on the future of sports. Respected Chief Minister ji, my heartfelt best wishes to you. I am always ready to contribute to the development of Uttarakhand and the country, whether in sports or any other field. I would be more than happy to contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat,” Harbhajan added.
Dhami Appreciates Former Cricketer's Contribution
Chief Minister Dhami also shared photographs from the meeting and acknowledged Harbhajan's contribution to Indian cricket and his continued commitment to sports.
In his post on X, Dhami described Harbhajan as a former Indian cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP who had earned a special place in world cricket through his outstanding spin bowling.
The Chief Minister said they discussed several issues and appreciated Harbhajan's dedication to the game, achievements and contribution to Indian cricket.
The interaction comes as Uttarakhand seeks to strengthen its sports ecosystem through improved infrastructure, grassroots talent identification and greater participation among young people.
Identifying promising athletes from remote hill districts remains an important part of the state's sporting ambitions. Better training facilities, access to coaching and opportunities to compete could help young sportspersons develop their potential and represent the state at higher levels.
The meeting highlighted the scope for experienced sportspersons to contribute to sports development through guidance, expertise and mentorship, alongside the government's efforts to build Uttarakhand into a sports hub.
