SHIMLA, 06.07.25

Feature-Government developing world-class sports infrastructure in State

• Rs. 65 crore multi-purpose sports complex coming up in Nadaun, Hamirpur

Himachal Pradesh, popularly known as the 'Dev Bhoomi' for its spiritual heritage and serene landscapes is now scripting a new identity as 'Khel Bhoomi', a rising land of sporting excellence. With a bold vision and decisive leadership, the state is undergoing a remarkable transformation into a sports powerhouse.

This has been made possible due to the unwavering commitment of the state government led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, to develop world-class infrastructure, nurture young talent and build an inclusive sports ecosystem that empowers athletes to dream big and perform bigger. This dynamic shift not only marks a turning point for sports in Himachal but also positions the state as a model for others to emulate.

At the heart of this transformation is the construction of a world-class multi-purpose sports complex in Kharedi, Nadaun, district Hamirpur. With an estimated investment of Rs 65 crore, the facility will offer state-of-the-art amenities including an eight-lane swimming pool, shooting range, wrestling and boxing arenas, kabaddi and yoga centres, as well as modern infrastructure for table tennis and badminton. This ambitious project is poised to become a landmark initiative in shaping the future of budding sports talent in the state.

In the current financial year, the state government will establish a 100-bed sports hostel in Luhnu, Bilaspur. Simultaneously, modern sports infrastructure is being developed at Rajiv Gandhi Multi-Purpose Stadium in Katasani, Shimla. Indoor stadiums are also being constructed in Solan, while new sports facilities are underway in Reckong-peo, Haroli and Jaisinghpur. Synthetic tracks and field facilities are being developed in Hamirpur and Sujanpur to provide high-performance training environments for athletes.

Recognising the vital importance of nutrition in the training and performance of athletes, the government has significantly enhanced the daily diet allowances for sportspersons. Players at the primary education level now receive Rs. 250 per day during competitions held within the state, while others receive Rs. 400. For those representing Himachal in competitions held outside the state, the allowance has been fixed at Rs. 500 per day. In addition, sportspersons residing in sports hostels are provided with Rs 250 per day within the state and Rs 400 when travelling outside. So far, Rs. 76.98 lakh has been distributed to 421 athletes under this provision, highlighting the state’s strong commitment to their welfare.

To further assist athletes, the state government is also bearing the cost of travel for competitions outside Himachal. For events within 200 kilometres, AC 3-tier train fare is provided, while for longer distances, economy class air fare is covered. Under this initiative, Rs. 6.01 lakh has already been provided to 235 athletes as travel support.

In a progressive move, the state government has introduced a new provision to support student-athletes. Students participating in State and National level sports competitions will now be marked 'present on special leave' instead of being marked absent. This change will ensure that participation in sports does not negatively impact their academic records or internal assessments, thereby encouraging more students to actively pursue sports alongside academics.

Himachali athletes have consistently brought pride to the state at National and International levels. In recognition of their achievements, the state government has substantially increased the award amounts for medal winners. As a result, Rs 14.77 crore has been distributed among 21 International medallists, while other high-performing athletes have received an additional Rs 44 lakh as prize money. This step underscores the government's resolve to celebrate and reward excellence in sports.

The state’s inclusive sports model ensures the identification, nurturing, and development of talent at all levels. Through regular competitions, structured training programmes and the development of world-class infrastructure, the state is empowering young athletes to excel themselves. Himachali sportspersons are now making their mark on medal tallies across the country, elevating the state’s status on the National sports map.

With a well-rounded approach focused on infrastructure, incentives, welfare, and inclusivity, Himachal Pradesh is not merely building sports facilities, it is preparing champions. The proactive steps of the state government are redefining Himachal’s identity as a dynamic and progressive centre of sporting excellence in India.

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Chief Minister mourns loss of lives in Kullu road accident

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief over the tragic road accident that occurred near Raninalah in Manali, district Kullu, resulting in the death of four individuals and leaving one person seriously injured.

Chief Minister expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls. He wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

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CM urges Centre to explore feasibility of opening Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki-La route

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the Central Government to explore the feasibility of opening Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) via Shipki-La route in Himachal Pradesh.

In a letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that Shipki-La region has served as a vital Indo-Tibetan trade route, predating modern borders. He said that it has also been a cultural corridor for Tibetan Buddhism and ancient pilgrimage paths reflecting India's enduring civilizational ties to Kailash and Mansarovar. He said that Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh being semi-arid and situated in a rain shadow zone like Spiti, is less prone to monsoon disruptions, which keeps the route accessible for most of the year. He added that the path from Shipki-La via Gartok towards Darchen and Mansarovar is comparatively shorter on the Tibetan side. He said that Shipki-La also offered a more stable and unambiguous corridor, making it well suited as a long term, dependable corridor for pilgrimage and cross-border connectivity.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh has already road connectivity upto Shipki-La via Rampur and Pooh. He said that with focused development of base camps and supporting infrastructure, this route can be seamlessly integrated into the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra framework. He emphasized that the opening of this route would significantly contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the tribal people of Kinnaur, aligning with the Government's vision for border development and tourism promotion under the Vibrant Village Programme.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government would extend all logistical and administrative coordination to the Central Government if the Shipki-La route is opened for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.