The Chief Minister’s Champions Trophy commenced today at the Yogsthali Sports Complex in Haridwar. Approximately two lakh players will participate in this competition, which will be held at four levels, from the Nyaya Panchayat (village council) level to the state level. Sports Minister Rekha Arya inaugurated the competition by hoisting the flag and lighting the torch. She said that this championship will serve as a launching pad for the Olympics.
This year, the sports extravaganza is being organized in a new format as the Chief Minister’s Champions Trophy 2025-26. The competition is being held in four phases: Nyaya Panchayat, Assembly constituency, Parliamentary constituency, and state level. At the inauguration, the Sports Minister said that a total of 26 sports events have been included this time, encompassing both modern and traditional sports. The team winning the Parliamentary Trophy will receive a cash prize of two lakh rupees, and the team winning the Assembly Trophy will also receive two lakh rupees.
She said that the BJP government has taken policy decisions in the interest of the players, which has changed the atmosphere regarding sports in the state and a sports culture has begun to develop. The winners of this championship will also be entitled to a four percent reservation in government jobs.
She urged the youth to take up sports not as a pastime but as a career. If they dedicate themselves 100 percent to the sport with discipline and commitment, nothing can stop them from becoming champions.
One lakh rupees for breaking national records
An additional incentive of one lakh rupees has been announced for players who break national records. The overall champion will be selected by totaling the points based on the medals won during the competition. The chosen champion will receive the Chief Minister’s Trophy and a cash prize of five lakh rupees.
Rush for photos with the Minister
Even after the program concluded, Sports Minister Rekha Arya stayed at the venue for a considerable time because thousands of players wanted to take pictures with her. The Minister did not disappoint them and spent almost an hour with the players. During this time, he interacted with hundreds of players individually, boosting their morale, and the players also got ample opportunity to take selfies with the minister
