CM Flags Off Olympic Run in Shimla, Reaffirms Commitment to Sports Development.
Shimla:
Marking the celebration of International Olympic Day, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday flagged off the Olympic Run from his official residence, Oak Over, in Shimla. The run concluded at the Indira Gandhi State Sports Complex after passing through the CTO route and witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 200 athletes competing in both men’s and women’s categories.
Extending his greetings on the occasion, the Chief Minister emphasized the crucial role of sports in shaping the future of young people and reiterated the State Government’s commitment to promoting sporting activities across Himachal Pradesh.
Addressing the participants, Sukhu said that sports are an integral part of education and play a vital role in the overall development of youth. He encouraged athletes to excel in their respective disciplines and bring laurels to the state through their achievements at national and international levels.
“Just as students strive for excellence in academics, athletes should aim to achieve distinction in sports and make the state proud,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to strengthen the sports ecosystem, the Chief Minister stated that the state was actively pursuing the hosting of Khelo India events in Himachal Pradesh. He noted that significant sports infrastructure has already been developed in Bilaspur, Kangra, Una and Hamirpur districts to provide better training facilities and opportunities to aspiring athletes.
Sukhu further informed that a Centre of Excellence for Sports is being established at Nadaun in Hamirpur district at an estimated cost of Rs. 150 crore. The project is expected to be completed by October this year and is aimed at providing world-class training facilities to sportspersons from the state.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the broader social benefits of sports, stating that sporting activities help inculcate discipline, teamwork and leadership qualities among youth, which are essential for success in life. He urged young athletes to actively support the State Government’s anti-drug campaign and contribute towards building a healthy and drug-free society.
In a major boost for athletes, Sukhu reiterated the government’s decision to substantially enhance cash rewards for medal winners in international sporting events. He said that the cash award for gold medalists in the Olympics, Paralympics and Winter Olympics has been increased from Rs. 3 crore to Rs. 5 crore.
Similarly, the prize money for gold medalists in the Asian Games and Para Asian Games has been raised from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 4 crore, while Commonwealth Games and Para Commonwealth Games gold medal winners will now receive Rs. 3 crore, compared to the earlier Rs. 50 lakh.
The Chief Minister said the enhanced incentives reflect the government’s commitment to encouraging excellence in sports and motivating young athletes to pursue their dreams at the highest level.
Among those present on the occasion were MLA Harish Janartha, Director of Youth Services and Sports Shivam Pratap Singh, General Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association Rajesh Bhandari, along with other dignitaries, officials and sports enthusiasts.
The event concluded with participants and officials reaffirming their commitment to promoting the Olympic spirit and fostering a culture of sports and fitness across the state.This version follows a professional newspaper reporting style suitable for publication in a daily newspaper or news portal.
