Stressing on need for promotion of sports, Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control Sham Lal Choudhary on Wednesday said games and sports are essential for keeping the youth away from social evils like drug addiction.The Minister said this while addressing a gathering at a concluding ceremony of first Chowdhary Chuni Lal Memorial Volleyball tournament for Boys held here at Government. Higher Secondary School, Chakrohi in Suchetgarh. The tournament was sponsored by Communication & Capacity Development Unit of PHE, I&FC Department.The Minister appealed the parents to encourage their children to take up sports, and said that participation of youth in any form of sports not only helps in their physical development, but it also does world of good to enhance their mental capabilities.Mr. Sham Lal Choudhary further said that the objective of organizing the tournament was to boost the morale of local players, besides creating awareness among the masses about the benefits of water conservation and encourage them to save water for future generations.
The Minister said that the government has launched many schemes for the promotion of sports activities in the State and many other new initiatives are in the pipeline. He added that these initiatives would definitely help the youth in opting Sports as full-time career option.Earlier, Gharana Club defeated Porowana Club to clinch the winning trophy, while Jabowal Club grabbed the third spot in the three-day long tournament which saw the participation of 24 teams.Secretary, PHE, I&FC Department Saurabh Bhagat, Chief Engineer, I&FC Rajeev Gandotra, Executive Director, CCDU Rajiv Malhotra, senior political leaders, Vikram Randhawa and Satpal Pappi, students, staff members of the various government schools, besides senior officers of the department were present on the occasion.Later, the Minister distributed prizes and mementos among the winners and participating teams.