Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated Multipurpose Sports Stadium at Sanjauli, Shimla today. Constructed at a cost of Rs. 3.18 crore, this stadium has been equipped with an open ground for sports events, hall an open hall and a kitchen besides other amenities facilities.
He also inaugurated Himachal Pradesh’s first Chitta Awareness Volleyball Tournament at Sanjauli, being organized as part of the International Summer Festival Shimla. He unveiled the tournament’s running trophy and announced that the winning team would be awarded a cash prize of Rs. one lakh.
The Chief Minister also took the salute of the march-past presented by 13 teams participating from across the state and administered an oath against drug abuse to all participants. On the occasion, he announced Rs. one crore for further improvement and development of the Sanjauli Ground, setting-up of a Primary Health Centre (PHC) and the upgradation of the Sanjauli Holi Fair to district-level status.
Sh. Sukhu said that the state government is making efforts to host ‘Khelo India’ competitions in Himachal Pradesh and necessary directions have already been issued to the concerned department. He said that the state government has enhanced the prize money of winners of international competitions and would soon introduce a policy to reward national-level sports winners in order to further promote sports in the state.
He said that a stadium is being constructed at Ghatasani near Shimla at a cost of Rs. 10 crore. Recalling his school days, the Chief Minister said, 'I used to participate in sports competitions during my school days and, therefore, understand the challenges faced by players.
We have increased the diet money for sportspersons. He said that athletes participating in competitions within the state are being provided diet money of Rs. 400 per day, while those participating outside the State were receiving Rs. 500 per day. Air travel facilities are also being provided for journeys exceeding 200 kilometres, he added.
MLA Harish Janartha said that Sanjauli Ground is one of the oldest grounds in the area and a long-pending demand for developing a quality sports ground has now been fulfilled. He said that encouraging youth to take up sports and stay away from drugs reflects the vision of the Chief Minister. He said that several other sports grounds are also being developed in Shimla and extended his best wishes to all participating teams.
Mayor, MC Shimla Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, Director of Youth Services and Sports Shivam Pratap Singh and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.