Himachal Pradesh Celebrates Sporting Achievements with Him Ratna-2026 Awards

Himachal Pradesh recently celebrated its athletes at the Him Ratna-2026 Awards, where Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu honored 419 sportspersons for their achievements. The event highlighted significant financial awards for medalists, including increased support for Olympic and Asian Games winners. The government is also launching initiatives to promote sports among youth and improve infrastructure. This commitment aims to foster a thriving sports culture in the state, ensuring athletes receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 31, 2026, 18:51 IST

Recognition of Sporting Excellence in Himachal Pradesh

On October 31, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu honored athletes who have excelled in national and international competitions during the Him Ratna-2026 Awards ceremony. The event took place at a state-level gathering where a total of Rs 17.85 crore was distributed among 419 distinguished sportspersons. Among the recipients, 51 athletes were acknowledged for their international achievements, while 368 were recognized for their national performances. The distribution included Rs 13.55 crore for international athletes and Rs 4.30 crore for those competing nationally.

Awards for Notable Achievements

The Chief Minister awarded athlete Sawan Barwal a cheque of Rs 2.50 crore for securing a silver medal in the men's marathon at the Asian Games-2026 in Japan. Seema Kumari received Rs 1.50 crore for her bronze medal in the 10,000-meter race. Additionally, the Indian women's kabaddi team, which included four players from Himachal Pradesh—Ritu Negi, Pushpa Rana, Jyoti Thakur, and Bhawna Thakur—was awarded Rs one crore each. State cricketer Renuka Thakur also received a cheque of Rs one crore.

Government Initiatives to Support Athletes

The Chief Minister praised the medalists, attributing their success to years of dedication, coaching, and parental sacrifices. He emphasized the importance of sports in education, highlighting their role in fostering discipline, self-confidence, and leadership skills. To further support athletes, the state government has increased award amounts significantly. For instance, gold medalists at the Olympics will now receive Rs 5 crore, while silver and bronze medalists will receive Rs 3 crore and Rs 2 crore, respectively. Similar increases apply to the Asian Games, with gold medalists now receiving Rs 4 crore.

Employment Opportunities and Grassroots Programs

The Chief Minister announced the creation of government positions within the Youth, Service, and Sports Department to provide employment for athletes. He also introduced the 'Khelo Himachal Campaign,' set to launch in Dharamshala on November 20, aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. The campaign will feature cricket, volleyball, and kabaddi competitions for youth aged 15 to 30, with substantial cash prizes for winning teams.

Enhancing Sports Infrastructure

The state government is committed to improving sports facilities across Himachal Pradesh. A modern indoor stadium is under construction in Nadaun, Hamirpur district, with an investment of Rs 170 crore, designed to accommodate 14 sports, including swimming and badminton. Additional sports stadiums are also being developed statewide to provide better training opportunities for athletes in both urban and rural areas.

A Commitment to Sports Development

Youth, Service, and Sports Minister Yadvinder Goma expressed pride in the achievements of Himachal Pradesh's athletes, emphasizing the state's commitment to fostering a robust sports system. Despite being a smaller state, he noted that its athletes have significant aspirations. The government is dedicated to identifying and nurturing talent, ensuring that athletes receive the necessary support to succeed.