Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control Sham Lal Choudhary today declared open 1stChowdhary Chuni Lal Memorial Volleyball Tournament for Boys at Govt. Higher Secondary School, Chakrohi in Suchetgarh.Around 24 teams including local volleyball clubs and Government schools are taking part in the three-day long tournament being sponsored by Communication & Capacity Development Unit (CCDU) of Department of PHE, I&FC.While addressing the gathering, the Minster said there is an immediate need to attract youth towards sports to keep them away from drug menace, besides encouraging them to follow right path in their lives.He further said the Government is taking all necessary steps for promotion of physical literacy and healthy living among the people. Efforts are underway to create advanced infrastructure and facilities for sports in the State, he added.
Enumerating the benefits of games and sports, the Minister said sports keep body and mind fit, besides teaching accountability, dedication, leadership and other positive traits among youth.Appealing common masses to help the Government in saving water and keeping the State clean, the Minister said public participation is necessary for successful implementation of any Government programme. He called upon people to conserve water, get drinking water tested in their nearby Water Testing Laboratory and refrain from throwing garbage in water bodies.Executive Director, CCDU Rajeev Malhotra, District Youth Services & Sports Officer Sukhdev Singh, SE (Hydraulics) K. K. Mangota, senior political leaders Vikram Randhawa and Satpal Pappi, besides officers of the department, students and staff members of different schools were also present on the occasion. New Sargam Social & Cultural Club also presented a nukkad natak on the occasion. Later, the Minister distributed sports kits among the participating teams.