Assembly Speaker inaugurates U-14 state-level sports meet in Chamba

Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Thursday inaugurated the State-Level Under-14 Boys and Girls Sports Meet at the Chaugan Ground in Chamba. He hoisted the sports flag and the participants saluted him during the march-past ceremony.

A total of 570 athletes from 12 districts of the state are participating in the event. Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayar attended the event as a special guest.

Addressing the athletes, Pathania said along with academics, co-curricular and sports activities play a crucial role in a student’s all-round development. “Sports not only enhance physical fitness but also instil discipline, self-confidence and leadership qualities among students,” he said.

He commended Chamba district’s athletes for showcasing talent at national and international levels, bringing laurels to the state. Referring to the government’s commitment to education, sports, culture and talent promotion, he said despite challenging geographical conditions, Himachal Pradesh has earned the distinction of becoming a fully literate state.

Pathania credited this achievement to the government’s policies. He also highlighted the state’s initiative to affiliate 100 senior secondary schools with the CBSE board to improve the quality of education.

Discussing sports incentives, the Speaker said prize money for international medal winners had been increased. He said gold medallists at Olympic events would receive Rs 5 crore, up from Rs 3 crore earlier, while silver and bronze medallists would get Rs 3 crore and Rs 2 crore respectively.

He added the daily diet allowance for athletes competing at state-level events has been raised from Rs 240 to Rs 400, while it has been fixed at Rs 300 for district-level and Rs 240 for block-level competitions.

Pathania said these measures reflect the state government’s commitment to inclusive and balanced development, adding both the state and Chamba district are progressing steadily under these initiatives.

During the event, he also administered an anti-tobacco and anti-drug pledge to students and attendees as part of the ‘Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign’.

Students of PM Shri Excellent Government Senior Secondary School (Girls), Chamba, presented a colourful folk cultural programme.

To promote cultural activities, the Speaker announced a grant of Rs 21,000 from his discretionary fund for the school.

Earlier, the Himachal School Sports Association honoured the Speaker with a traditional shawl, cap and memento.

Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal, Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav, Deputy Director of Education (HQ) Ajay Singh, Deputy Director (Higher Education) Vikas Mahajan, Deputy Director (Elementary Education) Balbir Singh and District Youth Services and Sports Officer Rupesh Kumar were among those present on the occasion.