Uttarakhand has begun work on the first phase of its Sports University in Haldwani after the chief minister laid the foundation stone on National Sports Day, 29 August. The project is valued at Rs 435 million (mn) and is intended to expand sports education, specialised training and modern facilities for athletes. The university is expected to reduce the need for athletes to travel outside the state for advanced training and will be located at the International Stadium in Gaulapar. The initiative forms part of a broader state plan to strengthen its sports ecosystem. The government plans to couple the university with a network of 23 high-tech sports academies covering multiple disciplines and notes that the first girls’ sports college at Lohaghat is already operational. Officials said the institution will provide access to professional coaching and specialised facilities to support athletes targeting national and international competitions. Preparations for the 2027 National Games are under way and the state has set a longer term objective of strengthening representation at the 2036 Olympics. The state has also created a sports development fund to identify talent and promote traditional and indigenous sports. Financial measures accompany infrastructure development, with emerging athlete schemes providing monthly sports scholarships for children aged eight to 14 and additional assistance for athletes aged 14 to 23, including support for equipment. Uttarakhand has provided out-of-turn government employment to 29 sportspersons and the appointment process for 243 medal winners from the 38th National Games is under way. A draft Uttarakhand Sports Policy 2026 has been prepared and is expected to be placed before the state Cabinet for approval. The One District, One Sport initiative aims to encourage each district to develop a distinct sporting identity and create opportunities for local athletes. The state has also introduced the Mauli artificial intelligence application to assess the fitness of emerging athletes and support more scientific training and performance monitoring. Officials said the combined institutional, financial and technological measures are intended to strengthen the pipeline of athletes and reduce dependence on external training facilities.