In a celebratory event held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami honoured the USN Indian team for their outstanding performance in the inaugural Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL). The USN Indians emerged victorious in the final, defeating the Nainital Ninjas by a convincing margin of 40 runs.
A Thrilling Final
The USN Indians showcased their batting prowess in the final, posting an impressive total of 203 runs for losing seven wickets. Opener Yuvraj Chaudhary led the charge with a scintillating century, scoring 103 runs off just 49 deliveries. His explosive innings set the tone for the match and allowed the USN Indians to pressure their opponents.
In response, the Nainital Ninjas struggled to keep up with the required run rate and ultimately fell short, finishing their innings at 163 runs. The USN Indians’ comprehensive victory capped off an unbeaten campaign, demonstrating their consistency and skill throughout the tournament.
CM Dhami’s Praise and Encouragement
During the felicitation ceremony, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami praised all the players for their exceptional performances in the UPL. He emphasised the importance of competitions like the Premier League in providing opportunities for local talent to shine, stating, “Competitions like the Uttarakhand Premier League have given a new opportunity to the players of our state.”
Dhami also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of all the teams participating in the league, saying, “All the players gave their best performance in this competition.” He then presented the trophy to the victorious USN Indian team, recognising their hard work and dedication.
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Uttarakhand’s Commitment to Sports Development
Chief Minister Dhami also highlighted the state government’s ongoing efforts to promote sports and support athletes in Uttarakhand. He announced implementing a “new sports policy” to encourage participation and excellence in various disciplines.
Some key features of this policy include:
- Out-of-Turn Government Jobs: Athletes who win medals at national and international competitions will be offered government jobs ahead of others.
- Comprehensive Support: Players enrolled in residential sports colleges will receive free training, education, accommodation, food, and sports kits.
- Scholarships: Financial assistance will be available to emerging talents through schemes such as the “Mukhyamantri Udiyaman Khiladi Unnayan Yojana” and “Mukhyamantri Khiladi Protsahan Yojana.”
- Sports Quota in Jobs: The state government has re-implemented a four per cent sports quota in government jobs to incentivise athletic excellence further.
In addition to these initiatives, Dhami highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure across Uttarakhand. This includes the construction of new playgrounds and the development of existing facilities to meet national standards.
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