Pauri; Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Labor and Employment, Government of India, inaugurated the Sansad Khel Mahotsav at the Kandoliya Ground in Pauri district. Calling for strengthening the sports culture among youth, he stated that sports are an effective means of nation-building and that the Central Government is committed to developing Pauri as a high-altitude sports hub. The Union Minister stated that the Sansad Khel Mahotsav will provide a fair and transparent platform for youth. He further stated that in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, sports culture is being strengthened at the grassroots level. He expressed confidence that the talented athletes emerging from this festival will represent the country in future international competitions, including the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Dr. Mandaviya stated that victory on the sports field is not just for one athlete, but for the entire nation.
He informed that a study of the sports gap analysis (Sports Gap Analysis) across the country is underway, and Pauri district will be specifically included for the development of sports infrastructure. Taking a positive stance on the demands raised by the Garhwal MP, the Union Minister stated that every possible effort will be made to develop sports infrastructure, taking into account the geographical conditions of high altitude. He also informed that a synthetic athletic track is being constructed in Joshimath at a cost of ₹8 crore, which will provide modern training facilities to the athletes of the region.
Garhwal MP Anil Baluni said that the Sansad Khel Mahotsav is a matter of pride for the Pauri district. This event realizes the Prime Minister’s vision of identifying talented youth and providing them with opportunities to advance. MP Baluni said that India has been given the opportunity to host the Commonwealth Games and has also bid to host the Olympic Games, which reflects India’s growing stature in the sports sector.
He said that Pauri district is an ideal location for high-altitude training, where athletes from various states of the country come for training. On this occasion, he sought the cooperation of the Central Government from the Union Minister for developing the entire area as a ‘Centre of Excellence’, establishment of a swimming institute and developing Auli as an international level sports platform with the aim of promoting winter sports.
