Dehradun: Uttarakhand Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Rekha Arya visited the Yoga Centre at the Hemvanti Nandan Bahuguna Sports Stadium in Almora to personally assess the facilities following recent allegations about the arrangements at the venue. Emphasizing the state government’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure for athletes, she refuted the claims as baseless attempts to undermine Uttarakhand’s progress in sports.
On being asked about the reported health concerns among athletes, she stated, “This morning, when I received news that the health of 20 people had deteriorated, I became very concerned, and a thorough investigation was conducted immediately. That is when I personally went to meet the athletes and ensure their well-being.” This demonstrates her proactive approach in addressing concerns, ensuring that the well-being of the participants was given utmost priority.
While interacting about the significance of the event and the challenges faced, she further added, “In Almora, with the support of the respectable Chief Minister, a commitment was made to organize the 38th National Games event in our mountainous districts with a focus on Yogasana. Today, as we move towards fulfilling this commitment, we are witnessing its progress. Usually, whether it is a sports activity or anything else in the mountains, people believe that such arrangements should be limited to the plains. I feel that the only reason behind this is that if the same thing happens in the plains, it is considered fine, but since it is happening in the mountains, various challenges arise. Many people have an anti-mountain mindset.” Her statement highlights the persistent bias against organizing large-scale events in hilly regions despite advancements in infrastructure and planning.
To further investigate these allegations, athletes and coaches were consulted regarding the facilities provided at the venue. Contrary to the negative claims, many athletes expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, particularly praising the efficiency of medical and logistical support.
During an interaction, Aryanshi Swami from Uttar Pradesh, who briefly fainted during the event, clarified that the incident was due to personal health reasons rather than any inadequacy in the venue’s facilities. She stated, “On the first day, due to the change in weather of my state and Almora, my blood pressure was low. But the support staff and medical staff were quick enough to take care of me. The facilities here are amazing, and players are really happy about it.” Her words focuses on the effectiveness of the medical and support systems, heated temporary structures , accommodation , fooding etc , ensuring that athletes receive immediate assistance whenever needed.
Adding to this, her coach remarked, “This child with me is a silver medallist, and her blood pressure dropped while performing in the finals. But the reason could be she ate fruits in the morning, which made her catch a cold, and she was wearing slippers for a while too, due to which her blood pressure dropped, not just because of the weather. Since all of us do Yoga, we treated her with Yoga only, and within 10 minutes, she was well, even though her condition was such that we were supposed to take her to the hospital by ambulance. Now she is doing very well and is completely fine.”
Similarly, Kavita Thappa, Football Coach, Uttarakhand, and Nodal Officer in the medical team at the Yogasana event in Almora, vouched for the quality of arrangements, stating, “The German hanger placed in FOPs 1, 2, and 3 has very good facilities here at the 38th National Games. The blowers and heaters placed differentiate outside hot weather from the cold weather outside. The facilities are very good, and all the players are very happy with the setup here. There’s nothing to complain about.”
On being asked about the temperature conditions affecting performances, Arjun Parmar from Rajasthan shared his views, stating, “Looking at the temperature in Almora, the facilities here at the 38th National Games, including assistance from officials and volunteers, are commendable. The domes or auditoriums created here have good heater facilities that provide us with an appropriate atmosphere to perform, similar to our state Rajasthan’s temperature. It doesn’t feel cold outside, making it easier to properly open our muscles.”
His response confirms that the arrangements were sufficient to create a competitive environment similar to what athletes are accustomed to in their home states.
Supporting this sentiment, Sujata Chowdhuri, West Bengal Yogasana team coach, expressed her appreciation, saying, “At the Uttarakhand 38th National Games, I have come along with six female and three male athletes from my team in West Bengal. The arrangement of the National Games in Almora is excellent, especially the electric heaters placed inside. They prevent us from feeling the cold outside and instead keep it warm inside. I thank the government and management here for the good arrangements in FOP areas and hope that similar facilities will be implemented in future National Games held in winters.” Her testimony reiterates that the organizers have successfully provided necessary amenities to counter the cold weather conditions.
On being asked if any problems arose due to weather, Shabbir Ahmad Dar, coach of Jammu & Kashmir, stated, “There is no such issue; every player knows what they are supposed to do in different temperatures. The venue here is scientifically well-designed, maintaining the temperature appropriately for Yoga’s competitive atmosphere. The practice area adjacent to it makes it easy for players to practice. Due to the harsh winter weather outside, kids can’t practice outdoors, but the indoor temperature has been managed very well. The government, sports department, and Olympic association have collaborated effectively. The events under Yogasana Bharat are scientifically designed and up to standards. Even in previous National Games in Goa, the government attempted similar arrangements, but they were facing issues in maintaining temperature. Whereas here, it is much better. The temperature is well-maintained, and all facilities, including separate seating for players, judges, and spectators, warm-up rooms, and FOPs, are well-organized.” His statement reinforces the fact that the planning and execution of the event have been meticulous and well-managed.
These firsthand feedbacks from athletes, coaches, and officials collectively disprove the allegations regarding inadequate arrangements. Uttarakhand’s sports infrastructure is not only evolving but setting a new benchmark in hosting national-level competitions. Despite attempts to cast doubt, the 38th National Games stand as a testament to the state’s ability to provide world-class facilities and a seamless sporting experience. The organizing committee urges the media to verify facts before publishing unsubstantiated claims, recognizing the dedication and hard work of those involved in making the event a success.
Uttarakhand continues to emerge as a formidable host for national sporting events, paving the way for a brighter future in Indian sports.
