Collective efforts by society can help win fight against drugs: Guv

Shimla

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Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the Sadbhavna T-20 Cricket Tournament here today to send a strong message against rising drug menace and inspire young to associate with sports.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said, “It is only through collective efforts by every section of society that the fight against drugs can be won. Himachal Pradesh, which is known as Dev Bhoomi can inspire its youth to take to sports and other constructive activities.”

The Governor said such events would help in the fight against rising drug addiction. He said the tournament’s theme, “Leave addiction, play sports,” was a powerful message to inspire young people to stay away from drugs.

Shukla said, “Youth must engage in sports and other constructive activities.” He also announced plans for a comprehensive anti-drug campaign to be conducted at the grassroots level across villages.

Chief Minister praised organisers for their efforts to highlight the harmful effects of drug abuse through this event. “The participation of teams represents the four pillars of democracy and sends a strong and positive message to society,” Sukhu said. He said the state government was committed in its fight against drug menace and was working whole heartedly to promote sports and improve opportunities for constructive activities for youth.

Sukhu highlighted several measures taken by the government to support athletes. “The prize money for winners of international competitions such as the Olympics, Paralympics and Asian Games, has been significantly increased. Gold medallists now receive Rs 5 crore, silver medallists Rs 3 crore and bronze medallists Rs 2 crore,” he said. Similarly, in the Asian Games and Para Asian Games the prize money for gold medallists had been increased to Rs 4 crore, with Rs. 2.5 crore and Rs. 1.5 crore for silver and bronze medallists, respectively, he said.

Sukhu said Paralympians like Nishad Kumar and Ajay Kumar’s achievements was recognised with substantial monetary rewards, which should act as an inspiration for youth to look for a career in sports. He said to further encourage athletes, the state government had enhanced allowances, including diet allowances, improved travel provisions for competitions and constructed integrated sports complexes in all the constituencies.

The event is being organised by the HIM Sports and Cultural Association in which Governor’s XI, CM XI, Chief Justice XI and Media XI is participating. The final match would be played between Governor XI and Chief Justice XI, who emerged winners in today’s matches by defeating Press XI and CM XI, respectively.

HIM Sports and Cultural Association president Naresh Chauhan welcomed the Governor and Chief Minister. The Speaker, Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Acting Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dhani Ram Shandil and Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.