Dehradun, Dec. 23 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday inaugurated the Sansad Khel Mahotsav (MP Sports Festival) in Almora and announced multiple sports and civic infrastructure projects aimed at promoting athletic talent and overall development in the district. During the event, the chief minister inaugurated the football and badminton competitions and felicitated international cricketer Ekta Bisht along with sports coaches for their contribution to sports. Addressing the gathering, Dhami announced the construction of a multi-purpose artificial turf ground for hockey and football at the GIC Ground, Almora, designed for both day and night use to nurture local sporting talent. He also announced the installation of 200 solar lights in the municipal area to strengthen the lighting system and promote clean and green energy. In addition, a 50-bed hostel will be built at the Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Stadium, where the badminton court will be renovated to international standards. The chief minister said India's youth power is the country's greatest asset and has the potential to realise the vision of a strong, prosperous and self-reliant nation. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, youth power is being recognised as national power, and sustained efforts are underway to build a developed and self-reliant India," he said. He described the Sansad Khel Mahotsav, organised on the theme "Fit Youth for Developed India", as more than a routine sporting event. "It is a major campaign to promote sports culture, provide a platform to identify talents from villages and help young people develop discipline, self-confidence, team spirit and fighting spirit," Dhami said. Highlighting national initiatives, the chief minister said programmes such as Khelo India and the Fit India Movement are continuously promoting sports across the country. He said the successful hosting of the 38th National Games has established Uttarakhand not only as Devbhoomi but also as Khelbhoomi. "Our athletes created history by winning 103 medals at the National Games, placing Uttarakhand among the leading states with world-class sports infrastructure," he added. Dhami said the state government will soon roll out a Sports Legacy Plan, under which 23 sports academies will be set up in eight major cities. Work is under way to establish Uttarakhand's first sports university in Haldwani and a women's sports college in Lohaghat. He said a new sports policy has also been implemented, under which medal-winning athletes at national and international levels are being provided out-of-turn government jobs. Young athletes are being encouraged through various schemes launched by the state government....