Sports fosters growth, excellence: Dharmani

Sports not only foster physical fitness but also nurture mental strength, confidence, team spirit and discipline among students. This was stated by Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani while inaugurating a three-day Under-14 District-Level Girls’ Sports Meet at Government Senior Secondary School, Auhar, in Bilaspur district.

Dharmani said sports fields are an essential part of student life, helping young learners develop resilience and prepare to face life’s challenges with courage and determination. He encouraged all participants to make the most of such platforms to enhance both their skills and character.

Over 400 girl athletes from five zones of the district and 10 directly participating schools are competing in the tournament. Events include kabaddi, volleyball, kho-kho, badminton, hockey, judo and wrestling.

The minister added that such competitions inspire students and provide opportunities to learn from one another’s experiences. “Through sports, students develop cooperation, leadership, and coordination — qualities essential for success in life,” he said.

Appreciating the growing participation of girls in every field, Dharmani remarked, “Our daughters are excelling in all walks of life. Events like these instil confidence and fearlessness in them.” He urged all participants to compete with full dedication and passion, reinforcing their sense of pride and self-respect.

Later, while participating in the launch event of the ‘PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana’ and the ‘Pulse Self-Reliance Mission’, Dharmani said the initiatives aim to boost agricultural productivity and ensure rural prosperity.

He said 100 aspirational agricultural districts have been selected under the scheme, with Bilaspur being the only district from Himachal Pradesh included in the list. The initiative targets regions with below-average productivity, limited Kisan Credit Card coverage and less than 1.55 crop cycles annually.

Dharmani urged officials to focus on improving productivity, strengthening post-harvest storage and encouraging the participation of women and youth in agriculture to ensure sustainable growth.