Himachal Pradesh Aims to Host Khelo India Competitions with New Sports Initiatives

Government's Commitment to Sports Development

On Monday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the Himachal Pradesh government is actively working towards hosting the Khelo India competitions in the state.

During the event, he inaugurated a new Multipurpose Sports Stadium located in Sanjauli. This facility, built at a cost of ₹3.18 crore, features an open ground for various sports, an open hall, a kitchen, and additional amenities.

Sukhu also launched Himachal Pradesh's inaugural Chitta Awareness Volleyball Tournament in Sanjauli, part of the International Summer Festival in Shimla. He presented the tournament's trophy and declared a cash prize of ₹1 lakh for the winning team.

The Chief Minister oversaw a march-past involving 13 teams from across the state and led an oath against drug abuse for all participants. He further announced a budget of ₹1 crore for enhancing the Sanjauli Ground, establishing a Primary Health Centre (PHC), and upgrading the Sanjauli Holi Fair to district-level status.

Sukhu highlighted that the government has increased prize money for winners of international events and plans to introduce a new policy to reward national-level athletes, aiming to boost sports in the region. Additionally, a stadium is under construction at Ghatasani near Shimla, with an investment of ₹10 crore.

Athletes competing in state events are now eligible for a daily diet allowance of ₹400, while those participating in competitions outside the state will receive ₹500 per day. The government is also providing air travel for journeys over 200 km.

MLA Harish Janartha emphasized that promoting sports among youth and encouraging them to avoid drugs aligns with the Chief Minister's vision. The event was attended by Shimla Mayor Surinder Chauhan and other notable figures.