Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the closing ceremony of T-20 cricket tournament organized by the Himachal Pradesh Sports and Anti Drugs Association at the BCS Ground today said that playing sports can help people achieve fitness goals but also contributes to mental health, helping to prevent depression and increase self-esteem and confidence.Chief Minister said that sports play an important role in gaining qualities like discipline, determination and team spirit. He said that sports activities were vital not only for providing few recreational moments in our busy schedule but also help us in living a healthy lifestyle.Jai Ram Thakur said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently launched 'Fit India, Hit India' in the form of slogan for giving importance to fitness. He said that to supplement the endeavour of the Prime Minister the State Government has also given a clarion call of 'Fit Himachal, Drug-Free Himachal' to make sports instrumental to fight the menace of drug abuse in the society.Earlier, the Chief Minister administered oath of anti-drug abuse on the occasion.In this two day spots extravaganza, final match was played between Chief Minister XI and Press XI.Wife of the Chief Minister Dr. Sadhna Thakur tossed the coin.
Captain of Chief Minister XI Jai Ram Thakur won the toss and elected to bat. The Chief Minister XI could score only 94 runs in the stipulated 20 overs. Press XI achieved the target in the eleventh over with six wickets in hand.Later, the Chief Minister gave away prizes to the winners of the tournament. Som Dutt of Press XI was adjudged man of the match for his all-round performance whereas Hansraj was declared Man of the Tournament for his magnificent century against Governor XI yesterday and his two wickets haul in today's match.President, Himachal Pradesh Sports & Anti Drugs Association Baldev Tomar welcomed and honoured the Chief Minister on the occasion and said the Association was organizing these events to promote social activities besides inculcating the spirit of sport among the youth.Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Virender Kanwar, MC Shimla Mayor Kusum Sadret and other senior officers of the State government were also present on the occasion.Later, the Chief Minister launched 'Live Times TV', a 24x7 digital news channel for the State. MD of the TV Sehaj Goyal welcomed the Chief Minister and briefed him regarding this venture.