Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today honored the athletes and their coaches who brought glory to Uttarakhand through their outstanding performances at the 2026 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland. While felicitating the medalists, coaches, and their families at his official residence, the Chief Minister remarked that the achievements of these athletes are a source of pride and inspiration for the entire state of Uttarakhand.
Those honored included para-athlete Shri Shubham Juyal (Silver medalist, Roorkee), judoka Ms. Unnati Sharma (Bronze medalist, Dehradun), Shri Shubham Juyal’s coach Shri Rakesh Singh Rawat (Pauri), Ms. Unnati Sharma’s coaches Shri Satish Chandra Sharma and Shri Punesh Kumar Singh (Dehradun), and Indian boxing team coach Shri Kheemanand Belwal (Haldwani).
The Chief Minister stated that athletes from Uttarakhand have enhanced the prestige of both the state and the country on the international stage through hard work, discipline, and dedication. He noted that the guidance of coaches, the support of families, and years of persistent effort lie behind the athletes’ success; therefore, honoring the coaches is equally important.
The Chief Minister affirmed that the state government is committed to the holistic development of sports and athletes. The government aims to establish Uttarakhand as a leading state in the realm of sports. With this vision, modern sports infrastructure is being developed, sports facilities are being expanded at the district and block levels, and talented athletes are being provided with the necessary support regarding training, equipment, nutrition, and participation in competitions.
He mentioned that the state government has made its sports policy more effective to encourage athletes. Players delivering outstanding performances at international and national levels are being provided with attractive prize money, opportunities in government service, scholarships, and special training facilities. Special encouragement is being extended to female athletes, differently-abled athletes, and emerging talent from rural areas, ensuring that every talented athlete in the state gets the opportunity to progress in line with their potential. The Chief Minister stated that Uttarakhand’s youth possess immense potential, and the government is moving forward by linking sports with employment, health, and personality development. Continuous efforts are being made to establish a sports university, strengthen sports academies, enhance the capabilities of coaches, and provide superior resources for preparation for national and international competitions.
He expressed confidence that the athletes who won medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games—along with their coaches—would serve as a source of inspiration for future generations, and that many young people from Uttarakhand would set new milestones in the field of sports. Wishing a bright future for all the honored athletes and coaches, the Chief Minister affirmed that the state government stands with them at every step and will continue to provide all possible support to elevate Uttarakhand’s sports talent to the global stage.
Cabinet Minister Smt. Rekha Arya, Special Principal Secretary Shri Amit Sinha, and officials from the Sports Department were present on this occasion.
