Dehradun, Feb. 19 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday pledged to position Uttarakhand as a leading sports destination in India, announcing fresh initiatives at the Chief Minister's Championship Trophy 2025-26 finale. Dhami spoke at the closing ceremony held at Nanurkheda in Dehradun, where he presented the winner's trophy and a cheque for Rs.5 lakh to Dehradun district. The event drew more than 1.62 lakh athletes across 26 disciplines, starting at nyaya panchayat level on November 23, 2025, and culminating in this grand finale. Calling the finale "a new beginning for a bright sporting future," Dhami said such events have become a powerful platform to identify hidden sporting talent from villages, nyay panchayats and remote hilly regions. He added that prize money worth Rs.11 crore is being directly transferred to athletes' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The chief minister said that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India is reaching new milestones in sports. He cited initiatives such as Khelo India and the Fit India Movement as key drivers behind the resurgence of sports culture in the country. "Today, India is delivering historic performances at international events such as the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. Athletes are receiving better training, resources and recognition," Dhami said. Highlighting the state's achievements, the chief minister said the successful hosting of the 38th National Games elevated Uttarakhand's prestige nationwide. He noted that state athletes secured 103 medals and achieved seventh position nationally for the first time. "Uttarakhand is emerging among leading states due to modern sports infrastructure, including upgraded stadiums, training centres and facilities capable of hosting national and international competitions. We will position Uttarakhand as a leading sports destination in India," he said. Under the state's Sports Legacy Plan, 23 sports academies will be established across eight major cities. The state's first sports university is also being set up in Haldwani to provide modern coaching, sports science education and advanced training. The CM said the new sports policy contains several welfare provisions. Under the Chief Minister's Sports Incentive Scheme and the Emerging Sportspersons Upgradation Scheme, athletes receive monthly scholarships and financial assistance for equipment....